Security authorities in Kasese District, western Uganda, have launched investigations following an attempted attack on Ibuga Government Prison in Kitswamba Sub-county by unidentified individuals armed with pangas.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred around 8:30 PM on Wednesday night. During the confrontation, one UPDF soldier and a prison guard sustained injuries, while one of the attackers was shot and killed on the spot.
Lt. Joe Walusimbi, the Kasese Resident District Commissioner and head of the district security committee, confirmed the attack on Friday, noting that the motive behind the assailants’ actions remains unclear. He acknowledged the injuries sustained by the officers and confirmed they are recovering well, but refrained from sharing further details due to the ongoing investigation.
Kitswamba Sub-county LCIII Chairperson, Mr. Yofesi Katenene, stated that the attackers were dressed in civilian clothes. According to him, the incident began when locals living near the prison heard suspicious movements and promptly notified both the prison staff and the UPDF detachment based in Ibuga.
As the intruders advanced toward the prison, members of the prison security team moved to confront them, supported by two armed UPDF officers. In the ensuing clash, one attacker managed to injure a UPDF soldier and a prison officer. In response, a UPDF officer, arriving on a motorcycle, jumped off and fatally shot one of the assailants. The remaining attackers fled and are believed to be hiding in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The identities and motives of the attackers remain unknown. Mr. Katenene urged the community to stay alert but calm, assuring them that security forces are closely monitoring the situation and are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The body of the deceased attacker was taken to Kasese Municipal Health Centre III mortuary, and investigations into the attempted prison break are ongoing.
