Uganda: Prisons Boss Suspended After Mass Jail Break
Uganda prisons chief has suspended the officer in charge of Moroto Prison, Northeast of the country, following a mass jail break last month.
The commissioner general of Uganda Prisons Service John Byabashaija suspended Norman Aruho and his deputy Joseph Angwandia, according to the Prisons spokesperson, to pave way for investigations into the break in which over 200 inmates fled the facility.
“Yes, he is serving suspension until investigations are completed. We have sent a senior officer there who will ensure security,” Uganda Prisons spokesperson, Frank Baine said.
About 219 Prisoners overpowered their guards at the facility in the remote, semi-arid northeastern Moroto region and escaped with 15 guns on September 19, 2020. Nine inmates were shot dead during a seven-day chase.
Officials say majority of the inmates are still at large despite the combined efforts by various security agencies to track and re-arrest them.
Sam Esdotu, the Karamoja Regional Prisons commander, says 20 inmates were re-arrested and remanded at the same prison. He says efforts are still ongoing to find the remaining escapees.