Masindi Prison Horror: Convicted Inmate Killed by Fellow Prisoner
A disturbing incident at Masindi Government Prison has once again cast a spotlight on the dangers within Uganda’s correctional facilities.
According to an official statement from the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS), a convicted prisoner, Moses Tuhame (Prisoner No. MDI/829/2023), was killed by fellow inmate Anatoli Irumba (Prisoner No. R-534/25), a remandee facing charges of murdering his mother. The altercation reportedly occurred around 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2025, in the TB isolation ward where both inmates were being held.
Tuhame, who was serving a sentence for aggravated defilement, was rushed to Masindi Hospital by prison authorities following the attack. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead a few hours later.
The Uganda Police Force has launched investigations, and a postmortem examination is currently underway. The Uganda Prisons Service confirmed that the body will be released to the family upon completion of legal and medical processes.
Frank Baine Mayanja, Senior Commissioner of Prisons and Deputy Director CCA/Service Spokesperson, confirmed the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.
“The Uganda Prisons Service extends deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. May the soul of Moses Tuhame rest in eternal peace,” said Baine.
This incident has reignited public concerns over inmate safety, the management of mentally unstable or high-risk inmates, and the protocols for housing violent offenders. Critics argue that better classification and mental health assessments could help prevent such tragedies.
The Uganda Prisons Service has pledged full cooperation with investigators and committed to reviewing safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
