RUBANDA, UGANDA – Police have launched an investigation into the sudden death of a male suspect who lost consciousness while in custody and was later pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The deceased, identified as Gilbert Ayebare, 26, a resident of Habuhinga village, Ikamiro parish, Muko sub-county in Rubanda District, was a suspect in a theft case.
According to the Kigezi police spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, Ayebare was placed in police detention on March 4, 2026, for the alleged theft of a mobile phone belonging to one Ninsiima Ronnah.
It is reported that Tashobya Avitus, Ninsiima’s son, took her phone from their home and gave it to Ayebare. Ayebare allegedly kept the phone and refused to return it when confronted by the complainant.
Following Ninsiima’s failed attempt to retrieve the phone, she reported the incident to the LC1 chairperson, who directed her to Muko Police Station. This led to Ayebare’s arrest and detention on theft charges.
“When the complainant, Ninsiima Ronnah, realized her phone was missing, she approached Ayebare and requested its return, but he reportedly refused. She then sought guidance from the area LC1 chairperson, who advised her to report the matter formally to the Police,” Maate explained.
Community members escorted Ayebare to Muko Police Station following the report. He was initially detained there on theft charges before being transferred to Rubanda Central Police Station.
The next morning, fellow inmates alerted guards that Ayebare was feeling unwell, prompting his immediate removal from the cells.
He was rushed to Muko General Hospital and later referred to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead on arrival.
ASP Elly Maate confirmed that the police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ayebare’s loss of consciousness while in detention. A case file has been opened to determine how the incident occurred.
Cue in: Maate on the incident.RR/ENG
The deceased’s body has been transferred to the Kabale Regional Referral Hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted to establish the precise cause of death.
