American dies in Entebbe police custody, sparking an investigation and public concern over how Ugandan authorities treat detainees. Police confirmed the incident but avoided releasing details while the inquiry continues.
Officers identified the deceased as Eric Nkusi, a US citizen of Burundian origin. They arrested him last week at Entebbe Main Police Station for allegedly overstaying his visa. He died on August 1, 2025, while still under detention.
A police source, requesting anonymity, said Nkusi battled heroin addiction and suffered severe withdrawal symptoms during detention. The source claimed Nkusi asked for the drug, warning it could save his life. Officers reportedly told him to wait until returning to the United States for treatment.
The next day, officers discovered Nkusi dead in his cell. Authorities transferred his body to the City Mortuary at Mulago in Kampala for a post-mortem examination. Daily Monitor could not verify these claims, and police have not confirmed them.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed that investigators are handling the matter. He declined to share more details. Officials have not confirmed whether Ugandan authorities are coordinating with the US Embassy. By publication time, the embassy had not responded to inquiries because its offices were closed for the weekend.
Police have yet to release the cause of death or name any officers facing charges. Previous deaths in custody have led to trials and calls for reforms in Uganda’s detention system. Human rights groups have criticized the country’s treatment of detainees, urging better medical care and adherence to rules granting consular access to foreign nationals.
The death of a foreign national in custody can strain diplomatic relations. International law requires authorities to allow consular access for detainees. The absence of clear embassy involvement may attract attention from human rights watchdogs and foreign policy experts. In May 2025, another detainee died in unclear circumstances, igniting public outrage and triggering an internal investigation.
If evidence shows officers ignored Nkusi’s medical needs, the case could drive legal action and changes in detention policies. It could also intensify calls for drug treatment programs within police facilities. This incident underscores the duty of host nations to protect foreign nationals in detention and the role of diplomatic oversight in ensuring fair treatment.
