Prison escapee loses hand to furious mob in Terego

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It all went from bad to worse for one prison escapee in Uganda's northern district of Terego when he lost his right hand to a mob, before being later moved back to prison.

Labelled as a notorious thief, Kennedy Eyotre — also known as Kenia — is said to have been at large since escaping from Koboko Government Prison in Koboko district in May this year.

The 33-year-old had been on remand, awaiting hearing of a murder case against him.

The residents of Etoko village, Nyoroo parish (Nyadri sub-county) in neighbouring Maracha district had accused him of terrorizing them between 2017 and 2023, during which he allegedly killed one person and torched two grass-thatched huts.

He was eventually arrested, charged and sent on remand to Koboko Government Prison, until his jail escape kicked off a futile months-long search for him — until last Saturday, when the fugitive's luck ran out.

He was allegedly caught stealing a goat at around 4am in Owapi village, Azapi parish (Odupi sub-county) in Terego district.

During the confrontation, the mob — baying for blood — chopped off his right hand. He also sustained deep machete (panga) cuts on his left leg.

Police from Terego Central Police Station intervened and transported the unconscious suspect to Omugo Health Centre IV.

Confiming the incident, Owapi village chairperson Ben Acele told Arua One that Eyotre was later moved in an ambulance from Omugo Health Centre IV to Arua Regional Referral Hospital in Arua city.

However, on Monday morning, the critically ill suspect had mysteriously disappeared from the health facility — reportedly without the knowledge of the hospital administration nor the security personnel.

This prompted security officials to hunt for him again.

Meanwhile in the wake of Eyotre's escape from hospital, Police from Maracha district arrested six people, including his sister Alicee Wadiko and her husband Vincent Angutoko from Meki West village in Yivu sub-county to help with the search.

While at it, the Police found the suspect's dismembered hand with his sister. She had allegedly intended to secretly bury the severed limb at her maternal uncle's home in Alarapi village, Alikua sub-county.

Eventually, the fugitive suspect was tracked down.

He was found receiving treatment at Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital in Yumbe district — disguised as Ismail Ijotre and taken care of by his mother and a friend.

On Tuesday, security personnel picked him from this hospital and transfered him to Arua Government Prison.

His bedside carers — mother and friend — were also arrested.