By Infora media
KIBOGA — Three people were shot dead on Monday morning inside Kiboga Central Prison in a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about internal security within Uganda’s prison system.
The victims include two senior officers of the Uganda Prisons Service and a civilian woman identified as the wife of the prison’s officer in charge, according to security officials familiar with the incident.
Authorities said the shooting occurred at about 10am during a routine supervisory exercise inside the prison premises. Preliminary findings indicate that a prison warder allegedly turned his firearm on his superiors after being reprimanded for violating duty procedures.
Security sources said the officers had reportedly cautioned the suspect for using a mobile phone while on duty—an act prohibited under prison regulations. Moments later, the warder is believed to have followed the group and opened fire at close range, killing all three instantly.
The suspect fled the scene immediately after the attack, triggering a large-scale security operation. By press time, he remained at large.
A joint security operation involving police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces was launched shortly after the incident. Security was heightened in Kiboga District and surrounding areas as teams pursued the armed suspect.
Authorities said the firearm used in the attack was later recovered, along with several rounds of ammunition, but efforts to trace the suspect were still ongoing.
Residents living near the prison reported a heavy security presence throughout the day, with roadblocks mounted and patrols intensified. Local leaders urged calm, assuring the public that security agencies were working to prevent further danger.
The bodies of the deceased were transported to Kiboga Hospital for postmortem examinations as investigations into the incident commenced. Prison officials described the killings as a deeply tragic and isolated incident.
In a brief statement, the Uganda Prisons Service expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers and pledged full cooperation with security agencies to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
“This is a regrettable and tragic incident. Investigations are ongoing, and the public will be informed of the findings,” a senior prisons official said.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of firearm handling, stress management, and disciplinary systems within security institutions. Analysts say while prisons are highly controlled environments, internal threats can arise if warning signs are missed.
Security experts note that incidents involving service weapons often point to deeper challenges, including mental health pressures, workplace grievances, and command oversight.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the suspect had a prior disciplinary record, saying such details will emerge once investigations are concluded.
Officials urged members of the public to remain calm and to report any information that could assist in the arrest of the suspect. They warned that the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
The incident at Kiboga adds to a growing conversation about safety protocols within security installations and the need for strengthened internal monitoring to prevent similar tragedies.
Investigations are ongoing.