Lira, Uganda | Former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Julius Peter Odwe, has blamed corruption within the Uganda Police Force for the recent deaths of two suspects in Lango subregion, saying officers deliberately detain suspects beyond the constitutionally mandated 48 hours to extort money for police bond.
Odwe’s remarks follow two separate incidents within a week. He noted that the practice violates Article 23(4) of the 1995 Constitution, which requires that suspects be produced in court within 48 hours of arrest.
In Apac District, 32-year-old Odongo Jimmy, a peasant farmer from Barobia Cell, Agulu Division, was arrested alongside a friend over the burglary of A-One Hotel, where goods valued at approximately UGX 150,000 were stolen. Jimmy and his friend were detained at Apac Central Police Station. On the night of 7 March 2026, Jimmy reportedly began behaving abnormally in the cell, disturbing other suspects, prompting officers to isolate him. On the morning of 10 March 2026 at around 0800 hours, during the routine police parade, he appeared weak and was rushed to Apac Main Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
North Kyoga Police spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema confirmed the incident, saying: “The Apac Police Management Team, led by the OC Station ASP Nkamwesiga Timothy, held a meeting with the family members and clan leaders to brief them on the circumstances surrounding the incident. The family expressed satisfaction with the explanation given and requested that a postmortem examination be conducted as they prepare for burial arrangements. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided accordingly.”
Meanwhile, in Kole District, 42-year-old Ogwang Tonny, a resident of Lwala Trading Centre, Ayer Subcounty, died after being detained on allegations of assault by his wife. He was arrested on 5 March 2026, and on 8 March 2026 at around 0900 hours, a routine check found him weak and unconscious in the cell. He was rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital at about 0930 hours but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Police reports indicate that Tonny had been on a hunger strike and exhibited behaviour consistent with mental health challenges.
Okema also addressed this incident, stating: “Police have opened a Death Enquiry File and informed the relatives of the deceased. The body has been conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital Mortuary pending postmortem examination. We call for calm from the relatives as efforts to establish the cause of death have begun.”
Odwe warned that the prolonged detention of suspects, often to extract money, is unlawful and risks lives, calling on the police to uphold constitutional provisions and safeguard human rights.
