By Kenneth Wamatoyi
JINJA
A 30-year-old suspected thief, Dan Mugeri, has taken his own life while in police custody at Kagoma sub-county police station in Jinja district.
According to reports, Mugeri, a resident of Magamaga East village in Buwenge rural sub-county, used his trousers to inflict fatal injuries on himself.
Mugeri was being held on allegations of stealing Shs500,000 from his employer, a resident of Bukomansimbi district, in January 2025.
Kiira North Division Police Commander, SP Oyee Mourice Ochen, has revealed that Dan Mugeri, a suspect in a theft case, attempted to evade justice by fleeing the jurisdiction where the crime occurred by travelling back to his home in Jinja district.
In a surprising turn of events, Mugeri was arrested by the area Chairperson LC 1 of Magamaga East village and his General Secretary on today, Friday, 21st February, 2025. He was handed over to Kagoma sub-county police station, pending transportation to Bukomansimbi district. Tragically, Mugeri took his own life at around 10:30 am while in police custody.
Residents claim that after fleeing Bukomansimbi, Mugeri appeared emotionally distraught and was overheard threatening to take his own life. Mugeri was arrested this morning, and during the arrest, he attempted to escape from police but was unsuccessful. He was subsequently detained in a police cell, where he committed suicide two hours later.
SP James Mubi, the Kiira Region Police Spokesperson, has announced that the police will be conducting an intensified sensitization campaign on suicide risk assessment. This initiative aims to identify early warning signs of depression and suicidal thoughts, providing professional help to mitigate mental health issues and feelings of hopelessness ยน.
The campaign is a response to the growing concern about mental health in the region. Mubi emphasized the importance of collaboration between the police and mental health specialists to provide comprehensive support to those struggling with their mental well-being.
