An American citizen of Burundian descent died on Friday , while in police custody at Entebbe Main Police Station, sparking a full-scale investigation by both Ugandan authorities and the United States government.
The deceased, identified as Eric Nkusi, was arrested in late July for allegedly overstaying his visa in Uganda. Police sources say Nkusi appeared visibly ill during his detention and exhibited severe signs of drug withdrawal. It is alleged that he pleaded with officers for heroin, warning that he could die without it, but his requests were dismissed.
“A suspect’s life is still a life. The uniform carries a duty of care, not a license to neglect.”
From a police accountability advocate
He was found unresponsive in his cell on the morning of August 1, 2025, less than 24 hours after his arrest. His body has since been transferred to the Kampala City Mortuary at Mulago, where a post-mortem examination is expected to establish the exact cause of death.
Internal disciplinary investigations have been opened against officers on duty during Nkusi’s detention, with the possibility of proceeding to the Police Disciplinary Court in Naguru. Kampala Metropolitan Police have confirmed the probe but declined to comment on details while inquiries are ongoing.
The U.S. Embassy in Kampala has dispatched a team to follow up on the matter, working closely with Ugandan law enforcement. The incident has raised fresh debate over detainee welfare in police cells and the handling of suspects with medical emergencies.
Authorities say official findings from the autopsy and the internal inquiry will be made public in due course.