Tensions are rising in Ibanda District following the death of an inmate at Nyabuhikye Prison under unclear circumstances.
The deceased, 45-year-old Razaro Kahangire, was awaiting trial for a land dispute when he reportedly fell ill and died.
Ms. Dinavence Atuhaire 42 , a wife to the deceased and resident in Kyembogo cell in Kalangara parish in Bisheshe division was visibly distraught. She recounted the painful events leading up to her husband's death.
“My husband was arrested on March 18 because of a land conflict,” she said.
“He appeared before the Grade One Magistrate’s Court on March 20 and was remanded until April 10.”
Atuhaire said she visited him last on March 28th at the prison, where he expressed that he was unwell.
“He told me he wasn’t feeling fine although he told me he had got some medicine from the prison officer. I was shocked when I received news of his death yesterday,” she said, struggling to hold back tears. “I need to know what happened to my husband.”
According to Ms. Beatrice Arimwenda, a witness at Ruhoko Health Center IV, Kahangire was already unresponsive when he was brought to the facility.
“They carried him in, but he was lifeless,” she recounted. “We couldn’t believe it.”
Relatives are now demanding an investigation and a detailed explanation from the prison authorities.
“We need justice. This is not how people should die in prison. Someone must be held accountable,” Atuhaire insisted.
Efforts to get a comment from the in-charge of Ruhoko Health Center IV, Dr. Peter Rwambuka, were unsuccessful. His phone remained off despite a scheduled interview with the Nile Post.
The prison authorities have also not issued any official statement regarding the incident. As pressure mounts from the family and local community, calls for transparency and accountability continue to grow.
