Police in Pallisa District in Eastern Uganda are investigating circumstances under which a 53-year-old suspect detained on charges of inj_ring his mother-in-law died in a police cell at Kibaale police post.
North Bukedi Regional Police commander, Mr Moses Kityo Mwanga said the body of Moses John Odongo, a resident of Omindi cell, Omauron ward, Kibaale Town council in Pallisa District was found hanging in the police cells after his detention following a fight at his in-laws’ home.
It’s alleged that Odongo who has been living with his wife, Rose Akurut in her parents’ compound at Agurur cell developed a misunderstanding with his in-laws, accusing their daughter (Akurut) of infidelity. The two have been married for 10 years and have one child.
“The two had been staying in Akurut’s parents’ compound. Akurut is said to have started an extra-marital affair abandoning Odongo in the area. It’s also alleged that the parents of Akurut had requested Odongo to leave their compound since his wife had left their home. Subsequently, Odongo returned to his village in Omindi cell, Omauron ward, Kibaale Town council. After sometime, he returned to Agurur cell to pick his belongings. When he reached his in-laws’ home, he learnt that Akurut had brought another man in the same house. They started a fight which attracted Akurut’s mother, one Regina Akurut to intervene in support of her daughter,” explained Mr Mwanga.
During the scuffle, Odongo is said to have inj_red his mother-in-law with a blunt object. He was reported to the area LCI chairman who later contacted police for intervention.
At Kibaale police post, the suspect was received by D/Cpl Paul Magemeso on December 21 and detained as investigations continued.
“It’s unfortunate that while conducting normal police check on the cells, we were welcomed by a lifeless body of the suspect hanging inside the police cells. He used a shirt to k!ll himself,” Mr Mwanga said
He said that a post-mortem was conducted and the body handed over to relatives for burial.
