TOP STORY: U.S. Embassy Demands Answers After American Citizen Dies in Ugandan Police Custody
Entebbe, Uganda – August 12, 2025
The United States Embassy in Kampala has launched an investigation and is demanding a full explanation from Ugandan authorities following the suspicious death of Eric Nkusi, a U.S. citizen, while in police custody at Entebbe Police Station.
![Image: Entebbe Police Station – File Photo]
Caption: Entebbe Police Station, where the incident occurred.
Nkusi, who reportedly also had Burundian heritage, was arrested last Friday for overstaying his visa, having spent several weeks in Uganda without valid immigration documentation. However, his detention quickly turned tragic when he was found dead in his police cell less than 24 hours later.
Allegations of Negligence
According to police sources, Nkusi — who was reportedly struggling with heroin addiction — began shivering and demanding access to drugs while in custody. Officers allegedly dismissed his requests, assuming he was faking withdrawal symptoms to gain sympathy or special treatment.
“He told officers he would die without the drugs, but they thought he was pretending. The next morning, he was found dead in his cell,” a source close to the investigation said.
Nkusi’s death has caused internal turmoil within the police force, with officers at Entebbe Police Station now accusing each other of negligence and mishandling a medical emergency.
U.S. Embassy Intervenes
The U.S. Embassy has formally requested clarifications from Kampala Metropolitan Police leadership, and embassy officials are closely monitoring ongoing interrogations of the officers who were on duty at the time of Nkusi’s detention.
“We are deeply concerned and are engaging Ugandan authorities to understand exactly what happened,” a U.S. Embassy spokesperson said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
![Image: Kampala City Mortuary – File Photo]
Caption: Nkusi’s body was transferred to Kampala City Mortuary for a full postmortem examination.
⚖️ Investigations Underway
- Nkusi’s body has been moved to Kampala City Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
- Police officers and civilians involved in or present during the arrest have recorded statements.
- Personnel under whose watch the incident occurred could face the Police Disciplinary Court at Naguru headquarters.
Human rights organizations are also beginning to take interest in the case, with several calling for a transparent, independent inquiry.
What This Means
Nkusi’s death could strain diplomatic relations if the incident is found to involve gross misconduct or abuse of detainee rights. It also raises serious questions about police handling of vulnerable detainees, especially those with known medical or addiction-related needs.
This is a developing story. Further details will be provided as investigations continue and the postmortem results are released.
