Police is investigation circumstances under which 15 suspects escaped from lawful custody at Rwampara Central Police Station, Buteraniro Nyeihanga Town Council in Rwampara district.
Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident.
According to Kasasira, the detainees dug their way out of the male police cell on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at around 1am and escaped.
Kasasira identified the suspects as Ignatius Twimatsiko, Salim Aronda, Erick Ariho, Barcklays Muhumuza, Yakobu Tumwekwatse, Jackson Nyesiga, Medard Tujunirwe, Rogers Baguma, Benson Akampa, Laubel Turinawe, Lawrence Atukunda, Joram Mwijukye, Akara Tusiime, Ronald Muhanguzi, and Denis Kamugisha.
Kasasira further said that the suspects were facing charges of defilement, arson, drug possession and robbery.
However, according to local authorities in Rwampara, seven police officers were on duty and a case file was open on Sunday July 16th for the re-arrests of the suspects.
“Police officers on duty have been charged with neglect of duty and a case file registration number FD04/16/17/2023 was open on July 16th 2023,” the authorities stated.
Adding, “The police officers have been given police bond on standby for disciplinary action reference number SD/0316/07/2023.”
However, according to the authorities a pair of scissors and a folk were found at the scene.
“A pair of scissors and a fork were found at the scene and these could have been what they used to create the hole through the well,” the authorities stated.
Akankwasa Anthony, one of the police officers who worked night duty narrated, “PC Wanaria Christine heard the Rwampara police dog barking unusually, when she came out of the Counter Office to see what was happening, she realised that the male police cell was broken and suspects had escaped through the hole they created through the well.”
In September 2020, three suspects escaped from lawful custody at Kawanda police post in Kawempa division.
In December 2018, three suspects escaped from Bobi police post in Bobi sub county.
