Police probe man found dead in lodge room in Rubaare

Ntungamo, Uganda: Shock and uncertainty have gripped residents of Rubaare Town in Rushenyi, Ntungamo District, following the sudden death of an unidentified man at Amahoro Bar and Lodges on Friday morning.

The man was discovered lifeless in Room 7 of the lodge, prompting an immediate response from police, who have since launched investigations to establish the exact cause of death.

According to the lodge manager, Niwamanya Bruce, the deceased had checked into the premises at around 10:00 am, purchased two bottles of alcohol, and later retired to his room.

“He arrived normally, bought two bottles, and went to rest. It was a shocking discovery when we later found him unresponsive,” Niwamanya said.

Local leaders have raised concern over safety procedures in hospitality establishments following the incident. Ndebesa Milton, the LC1 Chairperson of Rubaare 2, called for stricter enforcement of guest registration and monitoring systems.

“This incident highlights the importance of proper record-keeping and vigilance in lodges and bars. Operators must work closely with security agencies to ensure safety,” Ndebesa said.

Police visited the scene shortly after the discovery and began preliminary inquiries. Authorities say the body has been taken for postmortem examination to determine the cause of death, while efforts are ongoing to establish the identity of the deceased and notify next of kin.

The incident has sparked unease within the community, with residents calling for tighter oversight of local hospitality facilities to prevent similar occurrences.

According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, cases classified under sudden death and suspected homicide incidents remain a concern, with thousands of unexplained deaths reported annually, often linked to alcohol consumption, underlying health conditions, or criminal activity, highlighting the importance of thorough investigations in such cases.

Police have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue.