Officer in Charge Oyam prison arrested over death of inmate

19 June 2024, 10:54 am

By Chris Woo

The officer in charge of Oyam prison has been arrested and charged with murder following the fatal shooting of a 20 year old inmate, Daniel Otim, during an escape attempt. The arrest of SP Sserukuma Karim came after public outcry and a subsequent investigation.

The territorial police at Oyam Central Police Station have detained the officer in charge of Oyam prison in connection with the death of a 20 year old inmate. The arrest of SP Sserukuma Karim follows the shooting of Daniel Otim, who reportedly attempted to escape from the prison last Friday.

It is alleged that Otim, while attempting to escape, fell into an uncovered pit latrine. SP Sserukuma then took a gun from one of the prison warders and shot him, causing serious injuries. Otim was rushed to Anyeke Health Centre IV before being transferred to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where he died on Saturday.

Following Otim’s death, a significant public outcry prompted security officials to convene a meeting on Monday at the North Kyoga Region Police Headquarters in Lira City. It was resolved that SP Sserukuma should be arrested to aid the investigation into Otim’s death.

Otim was a member of the Pukica clan and a resident of Barolimu, Zambia Parish, Kamdini Subcounty, Oyam District. Oyam District Police Commander, SP Edison Muhangi, confirmed the arrest of SP Sserukuma, who has been charged with murder.

Benson Dilla, the LC5 chairman of Oyam, stated that the arrest of Sserukuma should serve as a deterrent to errant security officers. Sam Otia, the clan chief in charge of youth in the Pukica clan, welcomed Sserukuma’s arrest and called for justice to prevail for their deceased son.