Big Story: Intense Manhunt as 7 Suspects Escape from jail

Kigezi Police publicist Elly Maate

Police in Rubanda District have launched a manhunt for seven suspects who escaped from Rubanda Central Police Station after overpowering a cell guard on Saturday afternoon.

Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson Elly Maate said the incident occurred on November 22, 2025, at around 3:30 PM at the station located in Murole “B” Cell, Rubanda Town Council.

The escapees have been identified as:

Akansasira Junior

Biryomumeisho Dismas

Kanyesigye Ivan

Turihohabwe Anthony

Tumuhimbise Emmanuel

Taremwa Aaron

Shabaruhanga Paulino

According to Maate, the breakout happened when Police Constable Naboth Erou, who was on duty as the cell guard, opened the cells to allow suspect Turihohabwe Anthony to speak to a visiting relative. As the officer was escorting him back, another suspect, Taremwa Aaron, allegedly pushed the officer, causing him to fall. In the resulting confusion, seven suspects fled, leaving only one detainee inside the cell.

Maate said that three of the escapees were being held on charges of simple robbery, three others on theft, while one was detained over domestic violence. He added that case files for the simple robbery suspects and the suspect still in custody—who was facing charges of injuring animals—had already been forwarded to the Resident State Attorney (RSA) Kabale for legal review.

Police have since opened a case of aiding escape from lawful custody. The officer accused of facilitating the escape has been arrested alongside other officers who were allegedly absent from their duty posts at the time of the incident.

“They have been separately charged with neglect of duty. Investigations are ongoing,” Maate said.