At least one Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier was reportedly shot dead in a fire exchange with inmates who broke out of Singila prison in Moroto District and made of with 15 guns.
Authorities on Thursday morning confirmed that three of the escapees have so far been recaptured while one was put out of action during the hunt for fugitives.
The prison break happened at around 4.30pm.
The Prison’s boss, Johnson Byabashaija said that the inmates who numbered about 219, overpowered prison warders and broke into the armory before they escaped running towards Mt Moroto.
“There has been a break out from the Prison after inmates overpowering staff and accessing the armory where there were about 15 rifles. They are on the loose now. Heavy exchange of fire ensued. They have run towards Mt Moroto,” Mr Byabashaija said on Wednesday.
The army later called for calm and said they were in pursuit of the escapees.
“The operation by UPDF in pursuit of escapees from Singila prison in Moroto to rearrest them and recover the stolen guns continues. The population therefore is advised to stay calm,” the UPDF spokesperson, Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso posted on social media on Wednesday evening.
Business in Moroto Municipality was brought to a standstill as a joint force of police, army and prison warders engaged the escapees, majorly hardcore criminals and warriors who were arrested and appeared before the Division Court Martial.