Soldier shot dead as 50 Uganda inmates escape with 36 guns

By Cyprian Mugisha, MOROTO Uganda

One Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier has been shot dead after more than 50 inmates escaped from Moroto Government Prison. The inmates escaped at around 5:00 pm today Wednesday after reportedly breaking into the armoury and stealing about 36 guns.

Soldiers fighting escaped prisoners in Mt Moroto

The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces are currently involved in a chopper race with the inmates believed to have broken out of the Military Barracks prison sprinting off with the rifles.

The incident happened at about 4:00 pm when the said prisoners tore free and scaled up Moroto Mountain donning their yellow uniform.

According to sources in Moroto, the UPDF tried lifting gunships and a chase ensued involving fire exchange and causing panic within Moroto town.

“So many bullets are flying around the UN compound in Moroto. Over 50 prisoners have escaped after grabbing guns. They are seen running into mountain Moroto. UPDF has been called to help,” a source in Moroto intimated.

“Reports 50 (armed) prisoners pull a ‘Prison Break’ in Moroto. Residents alarmed as recent news had that some 30 of them are diagnosed with Covid19. Gunshots can be heard in Moroto town,” another source reached out to our reporter.

Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine confirmed the escape.

“It’s true we have a prison break but I have not yet got the details,” Baine said.

It is reported that most of the escapees are former cattle rustlers.

Moroto is no stranger to such events, in January 2006, 10 prisoners escaped after killing a warder and injuring another, they took off with one gun.

The prisoners opened fire and killed the warder (Corporal Walter Ochoria) after they were intercepted.

In March 2008, seven prisoners were shot to and injured after a daring attempt of escaping from Moroto Prison. The group had been 12 in number before 8 were shot in the escape attempt. - Africa