A 35-year-old man, accused of theft and threatening violence, was found dead on Tuesday in Rukungiri District police cells, police have confirmed.
The deceased, identified as Alex Mugarura, a resident of Marumba B village, Kanyinya ward, Southern Division, Rukungiri District, was reportedly arrested following a complaint lodged by his father, 67-year-old Charles Kakumu.
According to the police, Kakumu reported that his son had stolen a large quantity of matooke from the family farm and had threatened him with violence.
Police spokesperson for the Kigezi Sub-region, Elly Maate, said that the situation escalated after Mugarura allegedly cut down part of the family’s banana plantation following a confrontation with relatives.
“When they escaped from him, he got infuriated and cut down their banana plantation," Maate said.
Detectives at Marumba police post intervened, leading to Mugarura's arrest and subsequent detention.
Tragically, Mugarura was later found hanging in the police cell, with police reporting that he used his shirt to commit suicide. Authorities are treating the death as a suspected suicide.
“Unfortunately, an adult was threatening violence against his own parents, yet it was his responsibility to protect them from any danger. Although this was not the first time the accused was being charged with a similar offense, it is deeply regrettable that he took his life while in custody,” Maate said.
The scene was visited by the Rukungiri District Grade One Magistrate, the district police commander, and a team of officers. A medical doctor examined Mugarura’s body before it was handed over to his family for burial.
Deaths of suspects in police custody are reportedly common in Uganda, with law enforcement officers often attributing such cases to suicide.
The circumstances surrounding Mugarura’s death may prompt further investigations into the handling of detainees in Rukungiri District.
