14 suspects escape from Police cell

The Police's Flying Squad has been called to assist in a manhunt for 14 suspects who escaped from a cell at Kyotera Police station.

The incident occurred on Wednesday in the wee hours of the night and has puzzled officers.

It is not clear how the suspects dug a hole in the cell and took off without being noticed.

The officers on duty only learnt of the escape while conducting an early morning cell check.  ASP Godfrey Babaranda, the Officer-In-Charge of the police station, OC CID and Musa Kayongo, the District Police Commander are hunting for clues on how it happened.

 The part of the wall where suspects are believed to have broken and escaped

A list of the fugitives obtained by New Vision contains single names and their reference numbers, nature of offense and arrival date.

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

According to the station diary, the suspects had been arrested between 3rd February and 6th March 2017 in connection with crimes such as abduction, defilement, theft and others.

Their escape has caused panic among the residents, especially witnesses, fearing they would be attacked.

A junior officer 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 said.

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

Lameck Kigozi, the Deputy Regional Police Commander and police spokesperson, said they are investigating circumstances under which the suspects escaped.

A case of escaping from lawful custody was preferred against them and damage of government property.

 Regional Police spokesperson, Lameck Kigozi

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 at Kyotera Police Station 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.

 List of the suspects

Other Police, Prison escapes

There have been several escape attempts 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 - On March 18th 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 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.

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

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.