Luzira Inmates Hijack Car, Flee

By Geoffrey Kamali A PRISONER was shot dead yesterday and another seriously injured in a car chase after eight inmates from Luzira Prison hijacked a vehicle at Murchison Bay. Two of the inmates escaped and are still at large while three others were recaptured, the prisons spokeswoman, Mary Kaddu, said in a statement. No identities were availed. The injured prisoner was rushed to Mulago Hospital where he was admitted in critical condition. The prisoner, whose identity was not disclosed, was put under heavy surveillance. Sources said the pick-up truck driver, whose names could not be immediately established, was arrested after he was accused by the prisoners of masterminding the escape. Kaddu said the prisoners were being taken to repair a perimeter fence at the prisons senior quarters when they hijacked the pick-up, registration number UXT 870, from its driver and drove off. “A prison escort was signing for his gun when the prisoners overpowered the driver and drove away,” the Prisons Commissioner, Joseph Etima, said in an interview. Eyewitnesses said Military Police personnel from a nearby detachment were dispatched to chase the prisoners and caught up with them at Kinawataka in Nakawa Division, after the pick-up overturned. Residents on the Luzira-Nakawa road reported a series of gunshots as the military personnel pursued the inmates. Etima said the inmates would be charged with attempted escape from lawful custody. He said those who were recaptured claimed that they had been hijacked. “They have instead accused the driver (of hijacking them) and claim they did not intend to escape,” Etima said. This is the first time in several years that Luzira inmates escape. However, there have been several daring escapes in recent years from upcountry prisons like Butuntumula in Luweero district and Masindi government prison. Ends