Mob assault suspect dies after police rescue in Kassanda

What the report says

Police in Kassanda District are investigating the death of Derrick Kasumba, also known as Kalevu, a 30-year-old burglary suspect who died after allegedly being attacked by a mob following an escape from custody. Nile Post reported that Kasumba had been held at Manyogaseka Sub-county Police Station on burglary and theft allegations while police awaited sanctioning of charges.

According to the account, Kasumba escaped on August 23, 2026, while being escorted to the toilet. Police said the officer on duty did not stop him as he fled, and the escape was recorded before the complainant in the original case was informed. About an hour later, officers received reports that Kasumba had been intercepted by people in Lwenyange Village and was being assaulted.

Wamala Region police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi said an officer was sent to the scene to rescue and re-arrest the suspect. Police said the officer found Kasumba being beaten, after which the crowd dispersed. Kasumba was taken back to the station, but his condition worsened, and he was evacuated to Kyansaswa Health Centre III, where he was pronounced dead about 40 minutes later.

Police have opened a murder investigation and are seeking members of the mob suspected of taking part in the assault. Kasumba’s body was taken to Mityana General Hospital for a postmortem. The case highlights continuing concerns about mob justice in Uganda and the risks faced by suspects in custody as well as by communities that bypass formal legal channels.