Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Julius Ahimbisibwe, the former Division Police Commander (DPC) of Jinja Road, has been found dead in a suspected case of suicide, sending shockwaves through the law enforcement fraternity and reigniting concerns about the mental health of public officials facing legal and personal challenges.
Ahimbisibwe’s body was discovered early Monday morning at his residence in Nakitokolo, Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District. According to preliminary reports, the body was found in a septic tank, with a rope tied around his neck—details that have led authorities to treat the case as a possible suicide.
Kampala Metropolitan Police detectives have since launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Although suicide is currently suspected, police stress that definitive conclusions will only be made after a thorough postmortem examination.
“Professionally, we cannot pronounce it as suicide until the postmortem report is out,” said Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke. “It is important to follow proper procedures to ascertain the actual cause of death.”
Police sources revealed that Ahimbisibwe had been facing both criminal and disciplinary charges in connection with the incident. He had been suspended from active duty following the shooting and was under intense legal scrutiny.
His body was recovered around 3:00 am and has since been transported to the city mortuary for a postmortem examination. Authorities have refrained from drawing immediate conclusions and are urging the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue.
“We understand that some people may want to connect this incident to past matters,” said Rusoke, “but we urge the public to allow investigations to proceed. Suicide, if confirmed, is often associated with underlying issues such as depression, and these can stem from both long-term struggles and recent pressures.”
Mental Health & Accountability In Law Enforcement
Ahimbisibwe’s death has once again raised serious concerns about the psychological wellbeing of officers in high-stress positions, particularly those grappling with legal issues and public scrutiny. Experts have long warned that law enforcement officers are particularly vulnerable to mental health crises due to the demanding and high-pressure nature of their work.
This incident underscores the need for institutional mental health support mechanisms within the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies. It also highlights the importance of proactive counselling and intervention for officers undergoing criminal or disciplinary proceedings.
Ahimbisibwe had previously served as the Division Police Commander for Kabalagala before his posting to Jinja Road. He was widely known in policing circles and had a long service history within the Uganda Police Force.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. Police have pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses and have called for privacy and respect for the grieving family during this difficult time.
