Police in Kiryandongo District have launched an investigation into the death of an inmate at Kigumba Government Prison. The inmate reportedly developed chest pain and died shortly after being rushed to a health facility.
The deceased has been identified as Moses Pichan, 42, who was serving a three-year prison sentence after being convicted of illegally entering and engaging in poaching activities in Murchison Falls National Park without permission from wildlife authorities.
Pichan reportedly developed chest pain on Thursday morning while in the prison cells. But his condition deteriorated, prompting prison authorities to arrange for his immediate transfer to Kigumba Health Centre III for medical attention. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the health facility.
Jimmy Ongola, the officer in charge of Kigumba Government Prison, said he immediately notified Kiryandongo Police following the inmate’s death. Police officers visited the scene and recorded statements from prison and medical officials as part of the initial investigations.
Kiryandongo District Police Commander Stephen Ojok confirmed the death, saying detectives had commenced inquiries to establish the exact cause. Ojok said police collected the body and transported it to the Kiryandongo General Hospital mortuary, where it is being held pending a postmortem examination.
The death adds to several cases in which inmates in prisons across the Bunyoro sub-region have died after developing sudden illnesses or medical complications.
In December 2023, an inmate at Hoima Government Prison, Yuda Mugisa, died after reportedly developing an illness while in the prison cells. Mugisa, who was facing murder charges, was taken to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In June 2022, Henry Tumukunde, 20, an inmate at Kyabasenge Prison in Kakumiro, collapsed and died while allegedly attempting to escape from lawful custody.
Tumukunde had been sent with other inmates to collect firewood in neighbouring Kyabasaija Village when he reportedly attempted to flee. Prison warders pursued him, but he collapsed during the chase and was rushed to Kakumiro Health Centre IV, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police say the postmortem examination on Pichan’s body will help establish the precise cause of his death-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
