Nine escape from Iganga prison
May 23, 2010
DRAMA ensued on Friday at Iganga Prison after nine suspected hardcore criminals jumped over the fence in a bid to escape.The prisoners, who were on remand, took advantage of a mid-morning break to run away.
By George Bita
DRAMA ensued on Friday at Iganga Prison after nine suspected hardcore criminals jumped over the fence in a bid to escape.The prisoners, who were on remand, took advantage of a mid-morning break to run away.
A witness said the men jumped over the chain-link fence shortly after 11:00am, prompting a pursuit by prison warders.
“Within minutes, some had been surrounded and were left with no option but to surrender. They were dragged back to the prison,†the witness said.
Grace Mapesa, the officer in charge of the jail, disclosed that two prisoners on charges of murder and defilement were still on the run.
“I commend the officers who hurried to re-arrest seven of the escapees although two managed to disappear into the neighbourhood,†she said.
Mapesa identified those still at large as Joel Nabangi and Patrick Bakisuule.
“We have reported the case to the Police and a hunt to re-arrest them has began.â€
She disclosed that those re-arrested had on Friday appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court and were charged with attempted escape from lawful custody.
Asuman Kyafu, the district chairman, said the security committee had on Saturday met and discussed measures to ensure that the incident does not reoccur
A prisoner, who talked to The New Vision, said the escape was because they are forced into hard labour by the prison’s authorities.
DRAMA ensued on Friday at Iganga Prison after nine suspected hardcore criminals jumped over the fence in a bid to escape.The prisoners, who were on remand, took advantage of a mid-morning break to run away.
A witness said the men jumped over the chain-link fence shortly after 11:00am, prompting a pursuit by prison warders.
“Within minutes, some had been surrounded and were left with no option but to surrender. They were dragged back to the prison,†the witness said.
Grace Mapesa, the officer in charge of the jail, disclosed that two prisoners on charges of murder and defilement were still on the run.
“I commend the officers who hurried to re-arrest seven of the escapees although two managed to disappear into the neighbourhood,†she said.
Mapesa identified those still at large as Joel Nabangi and Patrick Bakisuule.
“We have reported the case to the Police and a hunt to re-arrest them has began.â€
She disclosed that those re-arrested had on Friday appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court and were charged with attempted escape from lawful custody.
Asuman Kyafu, the district chairman, said the security committee had on Saturday met and discussed measures to ensure that the incident does not reoccur
A prisoner, who talked to The New Vision, said the escape was because they are forced into hard labour by the prison’s authorities.