A Superintendent of Police attached to the Special Investigations Unit was found dead on Tuesday morning in his residence in Najjanankumbi, a Kampala suburb.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said in a statement that they received information about Musa Walugembe's death at around 12:09am, prompting officers to rush to the scene.
Walugembe, 45, lived alone, his neighbours said. He had locked himself inside the house, forcing police to break the door to gain access.
His body was later conveyed to Mulago City Mortuary for a postmortem examination, but authorities have not disclosed the cause of death.
Preliminary findings indicated no injuries or bruises.
Neighbours said the late officer had recently complained of chest pain. Walugembe was last seen alive on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Walugembe’s name was not without controversy. He was among the top police officers implicated in the 2020 arrest and alleged torture of Mityana MP Francis Zaake.
Although Walugembe denied any direct involvement, a court found him and his colleagues liable, awarding Zaake Shs 75 million in damages.
The late officer was also a prince from the Nakifuma clan in Buganda and was known for his active role in intelligence operations during the 2011 opposition Walk to Work protests, where he was involved in managing and suppressing demonstrations.
“The Uganda Police Force extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late SP Musa Walugembe. May they find strength and peace during this difficult time,” said SSP Patrick Onyango, spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police.
Walugembe’s passing has sent shockwaves through the police fraternity, where he was regarded as a highly influential and disciplined officer despite the controversies surrounding his career.
