UPDF has appealed to Communities of Moroto to be vigilant and report any body suspected to be alien in their area.
This comes after 219 inmates escaped from Singila government prison, broke into the armoury and took off with 14 guns on Wednesday afternoon.
In a detailed statement about the UPDF operation to hunt these criminals before they cause havoc, the army deputy spokesperson Deo Akiki the inmates overpowered prison guards.
“UPDF under the direct command of the 3 Division Commander Brig Joseph Balikudembe was called upon to support the efforts of UPF and UPS. Employing both infantry and air power UPDF pursued the escapees who had climbed towards Mountain Moroto in areas of Tapach,” reads the statement.
Seven (7) of the escapees were captured. In hot pursuit, an exchange of fire ensued leaving three (3) inmates dead and one (1) of soldiers gunned down.
“His struggle was not in vain as he died fighting to restore peace and justice in his motherland. We celebrate his life and heroism.”
“Fourteen riffles were grabbed from the prison and are not yet recovered. The pursuit to re-arrest the escapees and recovering the guns is still ongoing. UPDF calls for calmness as we pursue these escapees. The people in general areas of Moroto, Napak, Matany, and neighboring districts are called upon to be vigilant and inform leaders, police or the military, of anybody they suspect to be alien in their area.”
UPDF fears that some escapees are armed and have fused with the community abandoning the prison uniforms.
“Security calls upon collaboration with the public in this effort. UPDF and sister security agencies will continue the search to re-arrest the prisoners,” he concluded.