By Flavia Ajok
he police in Masindi District are investigating the death of a 19-year-old female plumber internee attached to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Masindi branch. The deceased has been identified as Mercy Ahaisibwe. The incident occurred on Tuesday night in Kisengya Cell, Nyangahya Division, where Ahaisibwe was staying with roommates.
A resident, who spoke to Uganda Radio Network (URN) on condition of anonymity, said Ahaisibwe shared a bed with one of her roommates. The roommate reportedly woke up to find Ahaisibwe unresponsive, prompting her to alert other colleagues, neighbors, and the police.
Gladys Nalinya, the Kisengya Village Vice Chairperson, confirmed the incident, adding that the police were immediately notified and rushed to the scene. Damalie Nachuha, the Albertine North Regional Police Commander (RPC), said detectives from Masindi Central Police Station were dispatched to investigate. She noted that Ahaisibwe had been sharing a room with two other young women.
Nachuha said the trio had prepared and eaten food together on the night of the incident. All three reportedly became unconscious afterward. While her roommates later regained consciousness, Ahaisibwe did not. According to Nachuha, the food may have been laced with poison, as the three had vomited after consuming it.
The two roommates have been detained at Masindi Central Police Station to assist with investigations. Their identities are being withheld to avoid jeopardizing the case. The deceased’s body was picked up by police and taken to Masindi Hospital mortuary pending postmortem examinations.
