Witnesses living in fear as 14 suspects escape from Police Cell

Police's Flying Squad in Kyotera hunting  for 14 suspects who escaped from a cell at Kyotera Police station.

Lameck Kigozi, the Deputy Regional Police Commander and police spokesperson, has confirmed. He said the suspected escaped from the cell  on Wednesday night.

He says the officers on duty became aware the men had gone while conducting an early morning cell check. The suspects are said to have drilled a hole in one of the cell's walls through which they escaped.

Kigozi said it was not yet clear how the suspects dug a hole and went away unnoticed.

Godfrey Babaranda, the Officer-In-Charge of the station and Musa Kayongo, the District Police Commander had reportedly decided to conceal information about the escape.

The information was reportedly leaked by journalists on Thursday afternoon.

A station diary (SD) identifies the suspects, their reference numbers, and nature of offense, and arrival date.

They are; Katamba, Ssewadda, Matovu, Mayombwe, Lubega, Serunjogi, Kazibwe, Kasozi, Ashim, Mugabi, Mbabazi, Nsereko, Wasswa and Mutaawe.

The SD further indicates the suspects had been arrested between 3rd February and 6th March 2017 in connection with criminals such as abduction, defilement, theft and others.

However, their escape has caused panic among the residents, especially the witnesses in various cases.

A junior officer at the station revealed most of the suspects were yet to appear in court at the time they escaped.

"It is believed someone aided the escape and the officers who were on duty have already recorded statements about the incident," he says.

He further attributed the incident to lack of enough security personnel and weak structures.

Cases of escape from lawful custody and damage of government property have been opened against them.

This becomes the second escape since October 2017 when Yasin Mayanja, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, escaped from the same cell.

Mayanja had been arrested and detained on allegations of abuse of office and corruption.

He was denied bond and locked in a cell only to find him missing the following day. Police has been tracking him in various corners of the district but all in vain.

Other Police, Prison Escapes

There have been several escape plans from lawful custody since 2010. Some succeeded while others were foiled on different occasions.

Masaka - In April 2010, at least one inmate was killed and 10 others injured as they tried to escape from Masaka Government Prison.

Rakai - In March 2013, 10 inmates escaped from Kalisizo government prison in Rakai district. They were John Mirembe, Wycliffe Mamaggwa, Jacob Kalyango, Abdul Lusiba, Fred Yubu, Bob Vincent Ssemakula, Bosco Ssepuya, Damiano Ssemanda, Moses Mukasa and Vincent Ssenyondo.

Still in 2013- Pastor William Muwanguzi "Kiwedde' attempted to escape from Kalisizo prison where he had been remanded for impersonating a catholic priest with intent to extort money from residents in Rakai district. He was re-arrested and charged with attempted escape.

Masaka- In December 2014- six inmates escaped from Kyanamukaaka prison. They include John Ssali, Charles Ssentongo, Peter Mugerwa, Bosco Ssebuna, Mike Kasozi and another.

Lyantonde- March 2014, eight suspects escaped from Lyantonde police cell and police failed to trace them.

Rakai- In September 2015- Muwanguzi escaped from Mutukula Prison and went to Tanzania. He was traced in Zimbabwe where he was arrested a deported to Uganda.