Naked Uganda prison break: 3 escapees shot dead, 7 recaptured

MOROTO Uganda

Three naked inmates have been killed in a fire exchange with Uganda security personnel following a prison break at Singila prison in Moroto district.

Wednesday september 16 evening more than 200 inmates escaped after overpowering prison staff. 

They accessed the armoury and stole 15 rifles. 

The Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) spokesperson 3rd Division Major Peter Mugisa says that the three inmates were killed when joint forces that included the police, prison warders and the UPDF followed the inmates on the steeps of Mount Moroto.

According to Mugisa, at least 7 inmates were also recaptured with security personnel still pursuing the other missing inmates.

UPDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Flavia Byekwaso said last night that at least one Uganda People’s Defence Forces soldier was also shot dead in the fire exchange.

North Karamoja Regional prisons officer, Sam Edotu said they were still compiling a report on the escape.

According to prison authorities, most of the escapees were hardcore criminals and cattle rustlers who were arrested last month. 

After the prison break, gunfire rocked Moroto town for at least 30 minutes as security personnel engaged the armed inmates, bringing business in the area to a standstill.

Moments later two military helicopters were seen hovering over Mount Moroto where the inmates are believed to have been hiding.