A massive manhunt is underway in Uganda after a prison warder at Kiboga Central Prison opened fire on his superiors, executing three senior officials following a reprimand over the use of a mobile phone while on duty.

The serene municipality of Kiboga in central Uganda was shattered by internal security violence when a disgruntled prison guard turned his standard-issue firearm against the very command structure he was sworn to protect. The horrifying mid-morning massacre has sent shockwaves through the nation's security apparatus.

This tragic event exposes the intense, often unaddressed psychological strain and rigid disciplinary environments within East African penal institutions. It highlights a critical failure in internal conflict resolution, demonstrating how minor disciplinary infractions can rapidly escalate into catastrophic loss of life when armed personnel reach a breaking point.

A Routine Inspection Turns Fatal

The horrific sequence of events unfolded at approximately 10:00 AM on Monday, February 23, 2026. The suspect, identified as Warder Moses Anguyo (Service Number 13544), was stationed at his designated post within the Kiboga Central Prison compound. During a routine supervisory patrol, senior officials discovered Anguyo deeply engrossed in a WhatsApp conversation on his mobile phone—a direct violation of strict prison duty protocols.

According to Wamala Regional Police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi, the inspecting officers cautioned Anguyo about his breach of regulations before turning to walk away. Unbeknownst to the superiors, the reprimand triggered a deadly reaction. Anguyo silently followed the officers, raised his weapon, and opened fire in a shocking display of insubordination and rage.

The Victims of the Massacre

The sudden barrage of gunfire claimed three lives instantly, devastating the prison's leadership hierarchy. The victims were highly respected figures within the Uganda Prisons Service and the local community.

• Hope Catherine: Assistant Superintendent of Prisons and the Deputy Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kiboga Prison.
• Bright Akishuri: Principal Warder and the third-in-command, responsible for duty allocations.
• Sarah Ayebare: The wife of the Officer-in-Charge, who tragically found herself in the vicinity of the shooting.

Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes within the facility. Following the executions, Anguyo hastily discarded his official prison uniform, attempting to blend in by changing into civilian clothing. He abandoned his service firearm at the crime scene before fleeing the compound into the surrounding district, sparking an immediate and intense multi-agency manhunt.

Systemic Pressures and Institutional Reflection

The Uganda Prisons Service, through its spokesperson Frank Baine, expressed profound regret over the incident, confirming the launch of a comprehensive investigation. The tragedy has reignited debates regarding the mental health and working conditions of lower-ranking security personnel in Uganda. Prison guards often work gruelling hours in high-stress, overcrowded environments, dealing with hardened criminals while facing severe disciplinary measures for minor infractions.

While the immediate trigger was a dispute over mobile phone usage, security analysts suggest that such extreme violence is rarely the result of a single isolated incident. It often points to a culmination of prolonged stress, poor superior-subordinate relationships, and a lack of adequate psychological support systems within the armed forces.

As the manhunt for Moses Anguyo intensifies across the Wamala Region, the families of the deceased demand answers. The incident serves as a bloody reminder that the guardians of the justice system are themselves susceptible to the darkest impulses of human nature, requiring urgent reforms to prevent future internal atrocities.