Policeman mysteriously drowns in River Nile, colleague arrested

OBONGI, UGANDA: Police in Obongi District have arrested one of their own officers to aid in investigations into how his colleague allegedly drowned in River Nile on Saturday night.

The incident happened at around 9 pm when Justin Rubangakene jumped into the River for unclear reasons leaving his gun on the ferry chair.

The North West Nile Police spokesperson, Mr Ignatius Dragudu said Rubangakene had been deployed to guard Obongi ferry alongside his colleague only identified as Mr Azabo who is currently in police custody.

Preliminary reports indicate that Azabo allegedly fired two bullets in the air after his colleague jumped into the river in order to alert people nearby about the tragic incident, something which prompted the officers to detain him for further investigations.

“We arrested him on two grounds. First, we suspect that he could have shot his colleague (Rubangakene) and threw his body into the river. Secondly, we are keeping him for interrogation and safety as we struggle to get the body of the deceased,” said Dragudu.

The fishermen and Marine Ambulance rescue team launched a frantic search for the body last night but until this morning (Sunday), their efforts were fruitless at the time of filing the story.

Mr Francis Eriga, a resident of Obongi Town Council, said the late Rubangakene was one of the most active and energetic officers at Obongi Central Police Station.

“I last saw him on Wednesday evening on this same ferry. He has been friendly to many in Obongi town. May his soul rest in peace,” Mr Eriga said.

Earlier this week, a security guard attached to SGA Security group allegedly shot himself at Lumumba Avenue in Kampala, and a day later, another guard in Lira was found dead after he allegedly shot himself in another suicidal incident that leaves many questions unanswered at a time when the country is grappling with increased crimes involving gun violence.