A 26-year-old suspect has died after reportedly becoming unconscious while in custody at Rubanda Central Police Station in Rubanda District.
The deceased, identified as Gilbert Ayebare, a resident of Habuhinga Village in Ikamiro Parish, Muko Sub-county, had been arrested on charges of theft. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital on Sunday at around 1:00 PM.
According to Police, on March 4, 2026, at around 6:00 PM, Ayebare allegedly stole a mobile phone belonging to Ninsiima Ronnah. The phone had reportedly been given to him by Tashobya Avitus, Ronnah’s son, who had picked it from the house.
Ronnah later approached Ayebare requesting that he return the phone, but he allegedly refused. She then reported the matter to the area LC1 chairperson, who advised her to take the case to Muko Police Station.
Police say that upon reporting the matter, Ayebare was escorted by members of the community to Muko Police Station, where he was detained on charges of theft.
On Saturday, the suspect was transferred to Rubanda Central Police Station for further management. However, on Sunday at around 10:30 AM, fellow suspects alerted the cells guard that Ayebare was not feeling well.
The cell guard informed the Officer in Charge of the station, and 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.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, said a case file has been opened to investigate the circumstances under which Ayebare was found unconscious in the cells before his death.
Maate added that the deceased’s body has been conveyed to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.
CUE IN MAATE……ON THE MATTER……RR/ENG//
