22-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 23 Months for Escaping Police Custody in Kabale

 Kabale, Uganda — Tukamushaba Daudi, a 22-year-old resident of Rutabonana Cell, Kahara Parish in Muko Sub-county, Rubanda District, has been sentenced to 23 months in prison by the Kabale Chief Magistrate’s Court after being convicted of escaping lawful police custody.

The conviction was handed down by Kabale Chief Magistrate, Derrick Byamugisha, following a prosecution led by Kabale Senior State Attorney, Julie Najjunju. According to court records, on October 10, 2025, while in lawful police custody at Kabale Police Station, Tukamushaba attempted to escape. He had been initially arrested on October 4, 2025, for allegedly moving at night with a panga, an offense that prompted the police to bring him into custody.

During his escort to the police cells, Tukamushaba managed to flee, scaling the rear gate of the station. A police officer on duty gave chase and successfully apprehended him. As a result, Tukamushaba was charged with escaping lawful custody under Section 96 of the Penal Code Act.

In his ruling, Magistrate Byamugisha noted the seriousness of the crime, especially amidst growing concerns over robberies in the area where suspects are often found carrying pangas. The magistrate explained the importance of deterrence, stating that while Tukamushaba did not waste the court’s time by pleading guilty, the need to curb criminal activity justified a firm sentence.

Despite his escape attempt, the court acknowledged that Tukamushaba’s actions had not delayed the judicial process, but the need to uphold law and order in the community outweighed leniency.

As a result, Tukamushaba was sentenced to 23 months at Ndorwa Government Prison. The sentence aims to serve both as a deterrent to others considering similar actions and as a measure to reinforce the integrity of the justice system.