12 police officers charged after ten suspects escape from Jinja CPS

JINJA - The police in Kiira Region have charged and detained 12 officers following the escape of 10 suspects from Jinja Central Police Station (CPS) in the early hours of Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Kiira Region police authorities have launched investigations into the jailbreak, while the 12 officers on duty at the time have been arrested and charged with negligence.

"We confirm the arrests of the officers on duty during the escape. They have been charged and are currently detained at Jinja CPS for questioning,” said James Mubi, the Kiira Region police spokesperson.

Speaking to New Vision on Sunday, Mubi said a full-scale investigation is underway to establish how the 10 suspects, who had been detained on minor charges such as affray and public nuisance, managed to escape.

He revealed that one of the fugitives has already been rearrested during a coordinated law enforcement operation.

“The recaptured suspect, along with those still at large, will face additional charges of escaping from lawful custody,” he said.

Mubi added that security protocols at Jinja CPS are under serious review to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Kiira Region police commander Charles Nsaba stressed that officers found responsible for undermining the criminal justice system will be held accountable.

“Command, control, and administration must be taken seriously at all police facilities. Neglect of duty shall not be tolerated by officers on deployment,” he asserted.

Police have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to recapture the remaining fugitives and restore order at the facility.

An officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that the escaped suspects were mainly hardcore criminals involved in robbery and defilement cases.

This is not the first such incident at Jinja CPS. In December 2021, 15 to 17 suspects escaped from custody after reportedly using a metallic tool to break the padlock securing their cell.