crime 24 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Obongi Police Detain Two Officers for Helping Rape Suspects Escape
Authorities in Obongi District have arrested two officers from Obongi Central Police Station accused of facilitating the escape of two suspects charged with rape and attempted rape. The incident occurred during a routine stop while transporting the detainees. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/two-police-officers-detained-for-aiding-escape-of-two-suspects-in-obongi-5402078
Police in Uganda’s Obongi District have taken two unnamed officers from Obongi Central Police Station into custody. They face allegations of assisting the escape of two suspects held on serious sexual offense charges.
The fugitives are Juma Rasual, wanted for attempted rape, and 21-year-old businessman Ibrahim Wongita, accused of raping a 16-year-old pupil on March 21, 2026, as she returned from a nightclub around 3 a.m. in Mundu cell, Obongi town council.
North West Nile Regional Police spokesperson SP Collins Asea explained that the breakout happened at about 6:50 a.m. while the suspects were allowed a short break at a latrine during transport. They reportedly removed their handcuffs, with the on-duty officers implicated and now charged alongside them.
As investigations proceed, police are calling on the public to report any sightings of the escapees to the nearest station.
This case highlights a pattern of custody escapes aided by officers. Recent examples include January 2026 arrests in Busia for a gold scam suspect’s release, and multiple 2025 incidents in Rubanda, Bugiri, Hoima, Luweero, Masindi, and Zombo involving rape, defilement, and other suspects.
Uganda Police data from February 2025 shows rape cases rose 5.7% in 2024 to 1,667 reports, with 594 suspects charged and awaiting trial.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)