Suspect commits suicide hours after detention at Jinja police

Jinja, (UG):- The Territorial Police in Jinja District are investigating a case of suicide involving a suspected thief who allegedly took his own life to evade prosecution for stealing money from his employer in Bukomansimbi district.

The suspect, Dan Mugeri, 30, took his own life at Kagoma Sub County Police Station, where he had been briefly detained as arrangements were being made to transfer him to Bukomansimbi, the scene of the alleged crime.

Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, SP James Mubi, confirmed the incident, stating that Mugeri first inflicted self-injury while in custody before hanging himself using his trousers.

“Dan Mugeri, 30, a resident of Magamaga East village, Buwenge rural sub-county in Jinja district, has inflicted self-injury (ended his own life) in police custody at Kagoma Sub County Police Station using his trousers,” Mubi said in a Friday statement.

Preliminary findings indicate that Mugeri was accused of stealing 500,000 shillings (Shs500,000) from his employer, whose identity has not yet been established. The alleged theft occurred in January 2025 in Bukomansimbi district, where a case of stolen cash had been registered.

After the case was reported, Mugeri fled Bukomansimbi in an attempt to escape justice and returned to his home in Jinja district. However, local authorities apprehended him and handed him over to the police before he took his own life while in custody.

“On Friday, February 21, the LC 1 Chairperson of Magamaga East village, together with his General Secretary, arrested and handed over the suspect to Kagoma Sub County Police Station for custody pending transport arrangements to Bukomansimbi district. However, at around 10:30 am, he deliberately harmed himself,” Mubi stated.

However, the residents assert that, from the time the culprit left Bukomansimbi, he has been emotionally drained and could be overheard saying he will end his life.

The scene of crime at Kagoma Police Station was visited by Kagoma area Magistrate, Her Worship Betty Lukuse, alongside a Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO), a team of detectives, and CPS Buwenge DPC SP Morris Oyee. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Meanwhile, DailyExpress has learnt that the Police in conjunction with other mental health specialists, will conduct an intensified sensitization campaign on suicide risk assessment where early warning signs of depression and thoughts of suicide can be detected and professionally handled or mitigate mental sadness or state of hopelessness.