EDITOR
Territorial police in Rubanda District have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 26-year-old suspect who allegedly became unconscious while in police custody.
The deceased has been identified as Gilbert Ayebare, a resident of Habuhinga Village, Ikamiro Parish in Muko Sub County, Rubanda District.
According to the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate, the incident occurred on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at around 1:00pm when Ayebare was pronounced dead on arrival at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital.
Police reports indicate that on March 4, 2026, at about 6:00pm, Ayebare allegedly stole a mobile phone belonging to Ninsiima Ronnah. It is alleged that the phone had earlier been picked from the house by Tashobya Avitus, the complainant’s son, and later handed to the suspect.
When the complainant asked Ayebare to return the phone, he reportedly failed to do so, prompting her to report the matter to the area LC1 chairperson. The chairperson advised her to file a formal complaint at Muko Police Station.
Following the report, community members escorted Ayebare to Muko Police Station where he was detained on charges of theft.
Police further state that on March 7, 2026, the suspect was transferred to Rubanda Central Police Station (CPS) for further management of the case.
However, on March 8 at around 10:30am, fellow suspects in the cells alerted the cells guard that Ayebare was unwell. The guard informed the Officer in Charge of the station, after which the suspect was immediately removed from the cells and rushed to Muko General Hospital.
He was later referred to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
ASP Maate said a case file has been opened to establish the exact circumstances under which the suspect became unconscious while in custody.
The body of the deceased has been conveyed to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death.
Police say inquiries into the matter are ongoing.
