Police reconstruct Mbarara custody escape, fatal shooting scene
The firearm used in the shooting has been recovered and exhibited, and the five suspects are in custody following their re-arrest.
The deceased, 52-year-old businessman Gordon Bogere, a resident of Market cell in Ruti town, had gone to the station to report a case of threatening violence against him by a suspect identified as Alfred Muhwezi.
By Simon Masaba
Journalists @New Vision
MBARARA - Police detectives in Mbarara have reconstructed the crime scene at Ruti Police Station, where a daring escape from custody ended in the fatal shooting of a civilian.
The incident, recorded under Mbarara South CRB 341/2025, occurred on the night of May 25, 2025, at about 11:00pm.
The deceased, 52-year-old businessman Gordon Bogere, a resident of Market cell in Ruti town, had gone to the station to report a case of threatening violence against him by a suspect identified as Alfred Muhwezi.
Muhwezi had been apprehended by Bogere and others and delivered to the station.
However, chaos erupted inside the station when five remand suspects staged a violent escape.
The suspects: Coleb Behangana (charged with theft), Tomson Ariho, Andrew Ahebwe and Allan Agaba (all charged with aggravated robbery), along with Gerald Irankunda (charged with illegal possession of a firearm), were in custody at the time.
“At the time of the incident, the male officers, including the duty officer Sarapio Byaruhanga, Eddie Kazuma Eddie and cell guard Coleb Mutabazi, were not on duty,” Michael Kato, the officer-in-charge of Mbarara South Division,said.
“Only three female officers: PC Justine Nabankima, Charity Akoa, and Detective Constable Peruth Kyasimire were present.”
According to preliminary findings, Kyasimire and Akoa were escorting suspect Muhwezi into the cells when the five inmates pounced on Akoa, disarmed her, removed the magazine from her rifle and dropped it on the ground before fleeing.
In the commotion, Bogere attempted to pursue the escapees towards the main road.
Nabankima, who had remained at the charge office, reportedly fired at the fleeing suspects but inadvertently shot Bogere.
“He was rushed to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where he sadly succumbed to the injuries,” Kato confirmed.
Police have since launched full inquiries into the incident.
The firearm used in the shooting has been recovered and exhibited, and the five suspects are in custody following their re-arrest.
“Detectives have reconstructed the crime scene with the suspects as part of the ongoing investigations into both the escape and the murder by shooting,” Kato added.
Charges of escape from lawful custody and murder have been formally opened.