RUBANDA, Uganda — Police in Rubanda District are investigating a serious incident in which seven suspects escaped from custody over the weekend, allegedly with the assistance, or negligence of the police officer on duty.
The escape occurred at Rubanda Police Station in Rubanda Town Council, sparking concerns over discipline, supervision, and general security within the station.
The officer at the centre of the incident, Police Constable Naboth Erou, had been assigned to guard the suspects on the night they escaped.
Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson Elly Maate said the jailbreak happened after PC Erou opened the cell to allow one of the inmates to speak with a visitor. As he attempted to return the inmate to the cell, another suspect reportedly pushed him down, creating confusion that the group exploited.
In the commotion, seven suspects fled the station, leaving behind only one inmate who chose not to escape.
The escapees were identified as:
- Junior Akansasira
- Biryomumisho Dismas
- Taremwa Aaron
- Ivan Kanyesigye
- Turihohabwe Anthony
- Emmanuel Tumuhimbise
- Paulino Shabaruhanga
Police said three of them were being held on charges of robbery, three on theft, and one on domestic violence.
Following the incident, security teams launched an immediate manhunt for the escapees. PC Erou was arrested on suspicion of aiding the escape, either intentionally or through gross negligence.
Several additional officers who had abandoned their duty posts at the time have also been detained for neglect of duty.
Authorities say disciplinary action is underway, and security reforms are being considered to prevent similar incidents at police detention facilities across the region.
