Police in Kassanda District have opened a murder investigation following the death of a 30-year-old man who allegedly escaped from police custody and was later attacked by a mob.
The deceased, identified as Derrick Kasumba was being held at Manyogaseka Sub-county Police Station over allegations of burglary and theft.
According to police, Kasumba escaped from custody at about 9am on August 23, 2026, while he was being escorted to the toilet. The police constable guarding him, identified as Nalyanya Aaron, reportedly failed to stop him.
Kasumba was later intercepted by a mob in Lwenyange Village, where he was allegedly assaulted.
Wamala Region Police spokesperson Lameck Kigozi said police received information about the attack and instructed PC Nalyanya to immediately go to the scene and rescue the suspect.
Nalyanya reportedly hired a boda boda to reach the village, where he found the mob assaulting Kasumba. The group fled after seeing the police officer.
The officer then placed the injured Kasumba on the motorcycle and took him back to Manyogaseka Police Station. However, his condition deteriorated shortly after arriving at the station.
Kasumba was unable to stand on his own, prompting police to rush him to Kyansaswa Health Centre III for treatment.
He was pronounced dead about 40 minutes after arriving at the health facility.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Kasumba’s death, including the circumstances of his escape from custody and the mob attack.
