[1] Maula Prison was established in 1971, during the presidency of Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

It was built to replace the old Lilongwe Prison, which was deemed too small and inadequate.

[2] The prison was designed to hold 500 prisoners, but it has often been overcrowded, holding up to 1,500 inmates.

[3][4][5] Maula Prison has several facilities, including:[6] Some notable inmates who have been held at Maula Prison include: Maula Prison has faced numerous challenges, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate food and medical care for prisoners.

In 2013, a riot broke out at the prison, resulting in the death of several prisoners and injuries to many others.