Kampala — The UPDF on Sunday shot dead three self-styled Karimojong warrior commanders and injured two others after they tried to escape from lawful custody in Moroto barracks.

The suspects asked the soldiers guarding the quarters to allow them take an evening sun-bath before they ran off, about 300 metres from the 5th Division headquarters.

An eye-witness at the nearby Acholi-inn village in Rupa sub-county said there was sporadic shooting as soldiers mounted a chase, while others tried to restrain more warriors from escaping.

Local leaders and UPDF officers, including the 3rd Division spokesperson, Capt. Henry Obbo, visited the scene on Monday.

Obbo condemned the action of the suspects.

"Their files were complete and they were scheduled to appear before the court martial to answer charges of illegal possession of firearms and gun-related cases," he said.

Obbo identified a notorious warrior nicknamed Acuucu among the dead.

He was arrested with over 30 guns in Moroto.

Acuucu had been commanding and hiring out guns to other warriors in exchange for stolen animals.

There have been complaints from the warriors of poor treatment while in UPDF custody.

Obbo said investigations were underway to establish the cause of the escape.