Police launches investigation into death of an inmate at Oyam Prison
By Chris Woo (editorial@vol.co.ug)
Police in Oyam district are investigating the death of a 20 year old inmate who was shot at Oyam prison.
Daniel Otim, 20, a resident of Barolimu village in Zambia parish Kamdini Sub County in Oyam district and a member of Pukica clan had been sentenced for burglary and theft.
Otim allegedly tried to escape from the lawful custody but fell in uncovered pit latrine where he was found and reportedly shot and injured.
He was rushed to Anyeke health centre IV for treatment however, when his condition deteriorated, he was referred to Lira Regional referral hospital for further management where he was later pronounced dead on Saturday.
SP Edison Muhangi the the district police commander of Oyam confirmed the incident saying, it is lawful to shoot a person who escapes from lawful custody adding the same law also permits an officer on duty to shoot anyone who tries to grab a fire arm. However, he also described that it is unlawful to shoot someone who has already fallen in a pit and has nowhere to escape.
He further pledged to do all it takes to ensure that law is followed in this case.
Sam Otia one of the Pukica clan leaders condemned such act saying they were told it was the officer in charge of Oyam prison who shot their son and they have already registered a case of murder at Oyam central police station calling for justice to prevail.
An attempt to get a comment from Frank Bahine who is the Public Relations Officer-PRO for Uganda prison was futile by press time.
More to this story will be in our subsequent bulletins
