Two police officers from Obongi Central Police Station in Obongi District are in custody for allegedly aiding the escape of two suspects facing serious sexual offence charges.
Police have witheld the identities of the detained officers. The escapees, identified as Juma Rasual and Ibrahim Wongita, were in custody under SD Reference 02/21/03/2026 and SD Reference 14/21/03/2026 for attempted rape and rape, respectively.
Collins Asea, the North West Nile regional police spokesperson, said the incident occurred around 6:50 a.m.
on Tuesday while the suspects were being escorted for a short call. “While in the latrine for a natural call, the suspects managed to open their handcuffs.
During this time, two officers were on duty and, as a result, have been charged alongside the suspects,” Asea explained.
Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, the Resident District Commissioner of Obongi, condemned the incident and criticized police oversight in the district.
“Cases of suspects escaping from custody have been rampant ever since I was transferred to Obongi. Police leadership must strengthen supervision and ensure that officers entrusted with suspects uphold the highest standards of duty,” Hashaka said.
This is not the first incident of its kind at Obongi Central Police Station. In December 2024, six suspects escaped after overpowering a police officer who had opened the cell to allow them to bathe.
Investigations into the latest escape are ongoing, and authorities say they are working to recapture the fugitives and hold all responsible parties accountable. URN