Shock as Police Officers ‘Secretly Bury’ Body of Suspect Who Died in Custody on MP’s Land

Authorities in Kisoro District have arrested three police officers and two civilians in connection with the alleged secret burial of a Congolese national who died while in custody, in a case that has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about police conduct.

The suspects, attached to Nyabwishenya Police Post, are currently detained at Kisoro Police Station following orders from the District Police Commander. The development was confirmed by Elly Maate, the spokesperson for the Kigezi Region Police.

According to Maate, the group is accused of unlawfully burying 30-year-old Uwimana without informing authorities or following required procedures.

Preliminary findings indicate that Uwimana was assaulted on the night of May 6, 2026, by two of the civilian suspects and others still at large after a dispute at a drinking place. He was later handed over to police and charged with threatening violence before being detained at Nyabwishenya Police Post.

However, on the morning of May 7, Uwimana was found dead in custody under circumstances that are now under investigation.

Instead of reporting the death to senior officers, the implicated personnel—two constables and a corporal—allegedly conspired with the civilians to secretly bury the body under the cover of darkness.

The burial reportedly took place on land belonging to Nizeyimana Kamara, further deepening the controversy surrounding the case.

Police say the officers later misled the deceased’s relatives by claiming that Uwimana had been released.

The deception came to light on May 8, when a group of Congolese nationals crossed into Uganda and attacked officers at the police post, demanding answers about their missing relative and friend.

The incident forced police leadership to intervene, triggering investigations that led to the arrests and the discovery of the grave.

An exhumation exercise was ordered to facilitate a postmortem examination, after which the body will be handed over to relatives for repatriation to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Relatedly, a man has killed a friend over a roasted rat, as reported Here.