The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces are currently involved in a chopper pursuit of at least 50 prisoners who are believed to have broken out of Moroto Military Barracks prison, running off with an estimated 36 rifles.
The incident happened at about 4:00 pm when the said prisoners broke loose and ran up into the Moroto Mountain donning their yellow prisoners’ uniform.
Sources in Moroto reveal that the UPDF lifted gunships for a chase which is believed to have involved fire exchange, causing panic among the residents of 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 told Nile Post.
Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine also 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 Jan 2006, 10 prisoners escaped after killing a warden and injuring another running off with one gun but were later intercepted and taken back in.
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.
This story first appeared on the nilpost.co.ug
