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At least one prison inmate was gunned down in an attempted escape during the Christmas season.
The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) announced the deceased, Ronald Turyamureba was killed amid the enhanced security measures that were put in place over the festive season.
Frank Baine said the incident occurred at Fort Portal Main Prison.
Baine confirmed that four prisoners attempted to escape from various prisons, including Dokolo, Iganga, and Murchison Bay.
Tragically, the attempted escape at Fort Portal Main Prison turned fatal, as Turyamureba, aged 26, succumbed to bullet wounds.
Turyamureba had been charged with rape
The UPS expressed regret over the incident, stating that while most escape attempts were thwarted, the situation at Fort Portal highlighted the high stakes involved in ensuring security within prisons.
Festive Season Security Measures
Uganda Prisons heightened security ahead of the Christmas season.
Starting on 16th December 2024, the prisons were placed under a “Standby Class One” directive, which restricted visitations and tightened surveillance to prevent potential security lapses.
The UPS had earlier stated that the festive period often leads to heightened excitement among inmates and staff, increasing the risk of incidents.
The lockdown was also a response to ongoing terrorism threats, ensuring that all staff and inmates remained secure during the festive season.
In its latest update, the UPS announced that prisoner visitations resumed on 3rd January 2025, marking the end of the restrictions imposed during the festive lockdown.
However, the “Standby Class One” period remains in effect until 18th January 2025, ensuring heightened security vigilance.
The UPS reiterated its commitment to safeguarding both inmates and staff while working to prevent such incidents in the future.