The United States Embassy in Kampala has launched an investigation into the death of an American citizen, Eric Nkusi, who died while being held in police custody in Entebbe.
Nkusi, who had Burundian roots, was arrested last Friday for allegedly overstaying in Uganda after his visa had expired. Police sources claim he had been in the country for several weeks without valid documentation.
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Reports suggest that Nkusi was a drug addict and began shivering while in detention. He is alleged to have requested access to heroin, warning officers that he would die without it. Sources say police dismissed his pleas, suspecting he was pretending, only to find him dead in his cell the following day.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said he had not yet been briefed on the incident. However, officers at Entebbe Police Station are said to be blaming each other for negligence that may have led to Nkusi’s death.
A US Embassy team has reportedly asked senior Kampala police officials for a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the case. Meanwhile, police officers who were on duty at the time of Nkusi’s arrest and detention are being questioned and face possible disciplinary action before the force’s court in Naguru.
Nkusi’s body has been transferred to Kampala City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination, and statements have been recorded from officers and civilians who were at the station during his detention.
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