In a bizarre series of events, swarms of bees caused havoc in two separate incidents, leading to injuries, chaos, and temporary escapes of suspects in police custody.
The first incident occurred at the Campswahili Police Station in Moroto, where a sudden and unexpected swarm of bees attacked individuals within the station compound.
Among those injured were a suspect in custody and two others who were unable to escape the swarm.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as officers and civilians alike tried to evade the aggressive insects.
A similar episode unfolded at the Abim Magistrate’s Court a day before, plunging the courtroom into widespread panic and chaos.
Bees invaded the premises during proceedings, attacking court staff, prison and police officers, litigants, remandees, and suspects. The unrelenting swarm forced everyone to flee for safety, disrupting court operations.
In confusion, 12 remandees and seven suspects managed to temporarily escape custody.
Law enforcement agencies were able to recover the escaped individuals later, though the incident raised questions about the readiness of facilities to handle such unforeseen emergencies.
Speaking on the incidents, Patrick Onyango, spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, expressed concern over the rare yet disruptive occurrences.
“The safety and security of all individuals, whether in custody or otherwise, are paramount,” he said.
“While we’ve ensured the recovery of the escapees, measures will be taken to prevent such incidents from escalating in the future.”
Authorities are investigating the cause of the bee attacks, which have sparked speculation about environmental factors or possible human interference.
Local experts suggest that the bees might have been disturbed from their hives, triggering their aggressive behavior.
The incidents have not only disrupted judicial and police activities but have also left several individuals nursing injuries.
Authorities are working to ensure medical care for those affected and to bolster safety measures across police and court facilities in the region.
These unusual events have highlighted the unpredictability of natural forces and the importance of preparedness in handling emergencies that extend beyond traditional law enforcement challenges.
