US Embassy Investigates Death of American Citizen in Entebbe Police Custody

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1254 EAT on Monday 11 August 2025

The U.S. Embassy in Kampala has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of one of its citizens, Eric Nkusi, who died while in police custody at Entebbe Police Station.

Nkusi, who also had roots in Burundi, was arrested last Friday for overstaying his visa, having reportedly spent several weeks in Uganda without valid immigration documents.

According to police sources, Nkusi—believed to have struggled with drug addiction—began shivering while in detention and allegedly requested access to heroin, the substance he was reportedly dependent on.

However, officers reportedly dismissed his requests, telling him he would only be able to access such substances upon returning to his home country.

“Nkusi insisted he would die without the drugs, but officers believed he was faking. To their shock, he was found dead in his cell the following day,” a police source told this publication.

His sudden death has sparked internal tension and blame-shifting among officers at the Entebbe Police Station, with some accusing their colleagues of negligence in handling the situation.

The U.S. Embassy has reportedly asked the Kampala Metropolitan Police leadership to provide a detailed account of the incident, including what protocols were followed during Nkusi’s detention.

Police personnel who were on duty at the time are now under interrogation and may face disciplinary action before the force’s internal tribunal at the Naguru police headquarters.

Nkusi’s body has been transferred to the Kampala City Mortuary for a postmortem examination. Authorities have also recorded statements from both police officers and civilians who were present during his arrest.

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