A 30-year-old man, Dan Mugeri, a resident of Magamaga East village in Buwenge rural sub-county, Jinja district, died under mysterious circumstances while in police custody at Kagoma sub-county police station.
Mugeri, who was arrested on allegations of theft, reportedly committed suicide using trousers while in police cells.
Kiira region Police Spokesperson James Mubi says the incident happened at around 10:30 a.m. on Friday.
Mubi says the had been handed over to the police earlier that day by the Magamaga East village LC1 Chairperson and General Secretary as he awaited transfer to Bukomansimbi district, where he allegedly committed a crime.
According to police reports, Mugeri was accused of stealing Shs 500,000 from his employer in Bukomansimbi in January 2025.
After the alleged theft, he fled to his home district of Jinja, apparently to evade arrest.
Locals revealed that since his return, he had shown signs of emotional distress and had repeatedly hinted at self-harm.
Mubi says in response to the incident, the police, alongside mental health specialists, plan to launch an intensified sensitization campaign on suicide risk assessment.
“The initiative aims to help communities recognize early warning signs of depression and suicidal thoughts, ensuring that individuals in distress receive timely intervention and support” he said
Following Mugeri’s death, a high-level investigative team visited the scene, including Kagoma area Magistrate Her Worship Betty Lukuse, the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO), a team of detectives, and CPS Buwenge DPC SP Morris Oyee.
Police reaffirmed the force’s commitment to thorough investigations into the incident while emphasizing the need for mental health awareness in communities.
Authorities continue to urge the public to seek support for individuals struggling with emotional distress, emphasizing that suicide is preventable with timely intervention and counseling.