NEWS- Authorities in Rubirizi District are investigating the tragic death of Muhirwe Gerald,25 who reportedly drowned after escaping from police constables who were leading him to a police station on April 18.
The Greater Bushenyi Region Police Spokesperson, SSP Martial Tumusiime confirmed the ongoing investigations, “We are conducting investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding Gerald’s escape and death.”
Muhirwe was being transported to Rubirizi Police Station on charges including threatening violence against his family members—specifically his parents and brothers. He was at the time of arrest found in possession of opium.
He escaped while being escorted by Police Constables Mutabaazi John Mary and Okaka. He escaped while crossing the Kyambura Bridge in Kirugu Sub County.
A search effort was launched following his escape and on April 23 local residents discovered Gerald’s body in the river at approximately.
A postmortem carried out by Rugazi Health Centre IV revealed that drowning was the cause of Muhirwe’s death.
Police have meticulously documented the crime scene and are in the process of recording statements from witnesses. The post-mortem report indicated that his body was found with a ring and two rubber bangles which may assist in the investigation.
Gerald’s past raised concerns; he had a history of drug addiction and had previously threatened to kill family members. Notably, he had also recently been released from prison on similar charges, raising questions about his mental health and the circumstances leading to his escape.
In a related development, the Police in Bushenyi District are investigating a serious road accident that left an 18-year-old man critically injured.
The incident occurred on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at around 5:00 PM at Kakanju junction along the Mbarara–Bushenyi–Kasese highway. The accident involved a grey Toyota RAV4, registration number UAM 989M, and a pedal cyclist.
Greater Bushenyi police spokesperson Marcial Tumusiime confirmed the incident and identified the victim as Nuwabaine Kamukama, a resident of Ruhumuro Sub-county in Bushenyi District.
According to police, the vehicle, which was traveling from Ishaka towards Bushenyi, started swerving erratically upon reaching Kakanju junction. It eventually knocked the cyclist who was riding ahead.
The driver, identified as 6a 9-year-old Muhwezi from Mitooma District, was subjected to an alcohol test, which returned a positive result. Tumusiime attributed the cause of the accident to drunk driving.
The victim was rushed to Kyeizoba Clinic in Bushenyi Town for medical attention. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
