Ugandan prisons chief rewards mob that killed escapee and ‘has no regrets’

At a time when people in several African countries are being warned against mob justice while punishing suspected offenders, Uganda’s prison head has hailed a mob that overpowered the police to kill a suspected criminal in Masaka.

Johnson Byabashiaja, the Commissioner General of Prisons has even gone ahead to reward those behind the mob justice with a cash prize of Sh10 million ($2,700).

Ugandans have since expressed disappointment at the news, especially when other countries are instituting measures to end the increasing rate of instant justice.

But Dr Byabashiaja has fully defended his decision, saying he has no regrets as the mob had sought the best justice for the victims of crimes perpetrated by the suspected criminal.

The suspected criminal, Muhammad Kiddawalime was lynched on Tuesday during a foiled robbery at the home of Resty Nakyambadde, a midwife at Bukulula health Centre IV.

He and another suspect, Musa Galiwango had initially been arrested as part of a group that attacked four villages in Lwengo and Bukomansimbi districts killing five people on New Year’s Day.

But they escaped from Masaka court on March 1, the day they had appeared for the mention of the case before committal to the High Court, local media The Dispatch reports.

Here’s how Ugandans have been reacting to the gesture by the prison boss: