Security Forces Expand Nationwide Hunt For Escaped Prisoners Amid Escalating Concerns

The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) and the Police have launched a sweeping manhunt after reports emerged of a significant prison break across the country. According to official sources, a staggering 201 inmates have escaped from various correctional facilities between January and September last year. The situation has prompted a collaborative effort to track down the fugitives.

Frank Baine, the spokesperson for the Uganda Prisons Service, confirmed the ongoing search operations, emphasizing the determination to locate and apprehend the escaped prisoners. “We can never stop; we will look for them,” Baine stated in response to inquiries regarding the status of the hunt.

The escape incidents, outlined in a report released by the UPS, detailed that out of a total of 337 inmates who managed to flee from 169 prison stations during the nine-month period, only 136 have been recaptured thus far. The report underscored the challenges posed by these escapes, reflecting on the nature of prison life, with Baine likening it to the inevitability of certain outcomes even in the best of circumstances.

Notably, regions such as Namalu, Alebtong, Sheema, and Ragem reported the highest numbers of escapees, with varying success rates in recapture. In Ragem, for instance, all seven escapees remain at large as of press time, while other stations struggled with similar predicaments.

The report also highlighted regional disparities in escape rates, with the mid-northern region recording the highest number of escapes. Particularly alarming was the Kooki region, where the escape rate soared to 20.0 per 1,000 prisoners, underscoring significant challenges in maintaining custody. Conversely, the Kampala Extra region reported the lowest escape rate at 0.2 per 1,000 prisoners.

Amidst these developments, questions have been raised regarding security protocols and measures within the prison system. However, authorities have pushed back against suggestions of laxity, emphasizing the inherent complexities of managing inmate populations.

The urgency of the situation was further emphasized by statistics from the September 2023 report, which revealed that 44 prisoners had escaped from lawful custody during that month alone. While efforts led to the recapture of 16 individuals, concerns remain regarding the overall efficacy of containment measures.

As the manhunt intensifies, both the UPS and the Police are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious activities that could aid in the capture of the escaped prisoners.