Bugweri, Uganda: Two police officers have been arrested following the death of a suspect, Joel Gabantu, inside police custody at Busembatya Police Station in Bugweri District, triggering a public outcry and rowdy demonstrations.
Sgt Kabona Moses and PC Okogha Muluha, both attached to Busembatya Police Station, along with three civilians who were in the same cell with the deceased, have all been transferred to Bugweri Central Police Station for further questioning.
According to Busoga East Police Spokesperson SP Michael Kafayo, Joel Gabantu, a taxi driver and resident of Busembatya Town Council, died under unclear circumstances hours after he was detained at the station on suspicion of stealing an Infinix mobile phone valued at Shs70,000 from a one Namukasa Prossy.
“Preliminary information indicates the deceased may have been assaulted before being placed in the cells. Officers on duty failed to report any incident during the night,” said SP Kafayo.
The arrest of the officers and the three civilians follows mounting community pressure after residents stormed the streets in protest, accusing police of brutality and extrajudicial killings.
“The public has every right to be concerned,” SP Kafafo noted. “Once we have the autopsy and full internal report, we shall ensure the law takes its course.”
By press time, the deceased’s body had been taken to Mbale City Mortuary, where a forensic expert is expected to conduct a postmortem to guide the ongoing criminal investigations.
The Uganda Police Force has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years over custodial deaths and use of excessive force during arrests. Human rights groups have previously called for comprehensive reforms, transparency, and stronger oversight to prevent such deaths in custody.
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