The death of American citizen Eric Nkusi, a Burundian-born national, in an Entebbe police cell has sparked questions over the handling of his detention and medical condition.
Nkusi was arrested on the night of August 1, 2025, for allegedly overstaying his visa after spending several weeks in Uganda without valid immigration documents.
While in custody at Entebbe Division Police Station, Nkusi reportedly developed severe health complications linked to suspected drug withdrawal. Witnesses claim he pleaded repeatedly for heroin, warning that he would not survive without it.
Officers allegedly dismissed his requests, telling him he could only access the illegal substance upon returning to his home country. By dawn, he was found dead in the cell. The incident has triggered tension at the station, with officers trading accusations of negligence.
Kampala Metropolitan Police leadership has been tasked with providing detailed explanations, while personnel on duty during Nkusi’s detention are under interrogation and could face the force’s disciplinary court at Naguru headquarters.
The US Embassy in Kampala has confirmed it is investigating the circumstances of his death and is assisting Nkusi’s family.
His body is currently at the Kampala City Mortuary at Mulago for a postmortem examination, with arrangements underway for repatriation. Statements have been recorded from both police officers and civilians present during his arrest.
As inquiries continue, questions remain about whether timely medical intervention could have prevented the death, and whether procedures for handling detainees in distress were properly followed.
