Wakiso, Uganda: Fresh details have emerged on the suspected suicide of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Julius Ahimbisibwe, whose body was discovered in a septic tank at his residence in Nakitokolo Cell, Kisozi Parish, Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District on Easter Monday.
Ahimbisibwe, who had reportedly abandoned the home in March 2024 after allegedly shooting and injuring his wife, Anitah Ahimbisibwe, during a domestic altercation, returned days before his death on Good Friday. According to neighbours, he made repeated threats against both his life and that of his wife.
“Anitah told me her husband had returned but seemed unstable. She feared he might harm himself,” a neighbour told DailyExpress.
On the morning of April 21, the officer’s body was found floating in the water-filled septic tank behind the house. Preliminary investigations suggest he initially attempted to hang himself, but the cloth broke, causing the body to fall into the tank.
Area defence secretary Ashraf Ssemogerere said he received a call at 2:30 am from a neighbour identified as Abdul, who reported that Ms Ahimbisibwe had knocked on his door, crying that her husband had taken his life. “We found the body floating in the tank,” he said, noting that the police fire brigade was called in to retrieve the remains.
The forensic team transported the body to Kampala Capital City Mortuary, Mulago. Three residents were taken to Nsangi Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations.
Another local council leader, Ms Allen Namande, said the local council had not been formally informed of the couple’s domestic issues. “We thought they had reconciled,” she said.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kitumwa confirmed the case and said statements had been recorded from witnesses and family members.
Suicide Cases on the Rise
The incident comes amid a worrying spike in suicide cases across Uganda. The 2024 Police Annual Crime Report recorded 218 suicides—up from 165 in 2023, marking a 26% increase.
Criminal Investigations Director Tom Magambo cited domestic violence, mental health struggles, and economic hardship as major triggers. Security personnel remain particularly vulnerable due to long hours, exposure to trauma, and separation from family.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative anews platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp for realtime updates.
