At least 10 suspects have escaped from Jinja Central Police Station (CPS), reportedly breaking out in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to police sources, the suspects forced their way out by pushing against the weak walls of the holding cells, causing them to collapse and allowing an easy escape. Reports indicate that the detainees also overpowered the guards before fleeing to unknown locations.

Jinja Central Police station

A detective involved in the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the escape to the poor state of the Jinja CPS buildings.

“Jinja CPS was constructed in 1928, with most structures dilapidated and further weakened by the prevailing rains, hence easing schemes of suspects to escape,” the detective noted.

Some of the escapees are reportedly repeat offenders with multiple prior arrests. Kiira Regional police spokesperson James Mubi confirmed the incident, adding that 12 police officers who were on duty at the time have been arrested and are currently detained at Nalufenya Police Station.

He also revealed that one of the escapees has since been re-arrested and will be charged with escaping from lawful custody. Mubi emphasized that the Kiira Regional Police Command is reviewing security measures at Jinja CPS to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This escape comes just weeks after 11 suspects broke out of Buwenge Central Police Station. Jinja CPS also experienced a major jailbreak in December 2021, when 17 suspects escaped. Investigations into that incident suggested police officers were bribed with over Shs 3 million to facilitate the escape.

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