national 15 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Police Pay Shs5 Million to Family of Congolese Man Who Died in Custody
The Uganda Police Force has provided Shs5 million to the family of Uwimana Ntirenganya, a Congolese national who died while in police custody, facilitating the repatriation of his body. The family had initially demanded Shs100 million in compensation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/police-pay-shs5m-to-family-of-congolese-man-who-died-in-ugandan-custody-5460624
Police in Kisoro have released the body of Uwimana Ntirenganya, a 30-year-old Congolese national, to his family after disbursing Shs5 million for burial expenses. Ntirenganya died on May 7, 2026, under circumstances that led to his body being secretly buried by police officers and civilians in a tea plantation.
The body was later exhumed following a court order and taken to Kisoro Hospital for a postmortem. Negotiations between Ugandan police, DRC authorities, and local leaders were tense, with the family initially refusing to accept the body and demanding Shs100 million from the Ugandan government.
Kisoro District Police Commander SP Edatu Cosmas confirmed the handover at the Busanza border point, attributing the resolution to sustained talks and the intervention of the Inspector General of Police. He condemned the actions of the individuals involved, stating they do not represent the Uganda Police Force’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.
Six suspects, including four police officers, are currently in custody and are expected to face court. SP Edatu also addressed intelligence warnings of potential revenge attacks from a Congolese group mobilized at the border, urging restraint and emphasizing that Uganda will respond firmly to any aggression.
Local leaders from the DRC have pledged to work towards de-escalating tensions and preventing cross-border violence to maintain the peaceful relations between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.