Lwakataka moved to Masaka Prison amid security fears

Jul 29, 2014

PRISON authorities at Kalisizo Government Prison have relocated rally ace Ponsiano Lwakataka to Masaka Central Prison for safety reasons

By Davis Buyondo 

PRISON authorities at Kalisizo Government Prison have relocated rally ace Ponsiano Lwakataka to Masaka Central Prison for safety reasons.  

A.S.P William Ochwo, the Officer in Charge of Kalisizo Prison, confirmed to New Vision that their management resolved to move Lwakataka to Masaka Prison on to avoid the possible incitement of disorder and break out at the prison.  

He added that suspects with similar criminal charges as Lwakataka’s are supposed to be remanded to a prison with better security than Kalisizo Prison. He further said that there has been some anxiety around the prison ever since he was remanded there.  

The anxiety follows the recent attempt by Lwakataka’s colleagues and supporters to block the flying squad and other armed security operatives from transporting him to and from prison. 

While at Kalisizo Magistrate Court last week, his supporters turned rowdy after Grade One magistrate Susan Awidi failed to show up for Lwakataka’s bail hearing.

They later claimed it was a trick to keep Lwakataka in jail and vowed to do whatever it takes to get him out of prison which compelled authorities there to step up security.

On Friday at around 2:30 pm, Lwakataka was produced to Kalisizo Magistrates Court and charges of murder of nine family members read to him by Latif Nakibinge, the Rakai Grade One Magistrate.

Lwakataka was jointly charged with Asuman Muddu (18) a resident of Binyobirya village in Bukomansimbi and Vincent Fagesi, a Tanzanian national with murder on file CRB 015/13 with Kasensero Police.

Prosecution led by Rachael Namazzi, the Resident State Attorney, alleges that the trio conived to murder the nine family members in Kanabulemu in Kyebe Sub-county, Rakai district last year.

The incident that happened on 13th January 2013 at Kanabulemu village in Kyebe Sub-county made headlines. 

Unknown assailants attacked the family of Pastor Stephen Mugambe of Kyebe Pentecostal Church, killed him and his wife Noelina Nalinya with machetes and axes.

Others are Bena Nakivumbi, Jane Nakiwala, Christine Nasimbwa, Max Nakirijja, Dan Ssemwanga, Andrew Mpeirwe and Maria Nakajugo.

Lwakataka was then remanded to Kalisizo Prison until 1st August 2014. 

Since then, prison authorities have heightened security to thwart any escape attempts. 

“We are to keep maintaining security at the prison to contain the situation.” Ochwo said.

However, Lwakataka joins Vincent Fagesi, a Tanzanian national and Asuman Muddu who were already remanded to Masaka Prison.

 

Earlier escapes at the prison

On March 2013, 10 inmates including capital offenders escaped from Kalisizo Prison due to shortage of man power and poor or dilapidated fencing. 

They are John Mirembe, Wycliff Mamaggwa, Jacob Kalyango, Abdul Lusiba, Fred Yubu, Bob Vincent Ssemakula, Bosco Ssepuya, Damiano Ssemanda, Moses Mukasa and Vincent Ssenyondo. 

Tom Okello, who was the officer in Charge of Kalisizo Government Prison then, said the inmates escaped from the prison through the holes in the fence after assaulting a prison warder.  

In November 2013, Pastor William Muwanguzi attempted to escape from the same prison where he had been remanded on charges of impersonation. 

Muwanguzi also known as ‘Kiwedde’ dug a hole in a cell wall at night trying to escape from Kalisizo prison but his attempt was however thwarted when a prison warder discovered the plan. 

As a result, prison authorities have decided to increase security around the facility to prevent anymore escape attempts. 

Kalisizo prison was constructed in 1935, but has never undergone major renovation.  The facility is meant to accommodate 45 inmates. Currently there are 35 inmates both male and female.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});