An American citizen, identified as Eric Nkusi, has died while in police custody at Entebbe Police Station after being arrested for overstaying his visa in Uganda. Nkusi, who reportedly had Burundian roots, was detained last Friday following the discovery that he had been living in Uganda for several weeks without a valid visa.
According to sources, Nkusi was allegedly a drug addict and began experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms while in custody. He reportedly pleaded with officers to be provided with heroin, claiming he would die without it. However, officers allegedly dismissed his requests, suggesting he wait to return to his home country to access the illegal substance.
“Nkusi demanded access to drugs, warning that he might die without them. The officers thought he was faking and did not take his requests seriously. Unfortunately, he was found dead in his cell the next day,” a source said.
The incident has caused internal tension at Entebbe Police Station, with officers reportedly blaming each other for negligence. The American Embassy in Kampala has since dispatched a team to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nkusi’s death.
Police officers who were on duty from the time of Nkusi’s arrest through the weekend are currently under investigation and may face disciplinary action at the police force’s internal court based at Naguru Police Headquarters.
Nkusi’s body has been transferred to the Kampala City Mortuary for a postmortem examination. Statements have been recorded from both police officers and civilians who were present at the station during Nkusi’s detention.