Major-General Paul Lokech, deputy IGP, died from a blood clot in the lungs, according to a preliminary report.
In a tentative report concerning the death of the deputy IGP, Maj. Gen. Paul Lokech, the police have said the fallen general died of a blood clot in the lungs.
According to Fred Enanga, a post-mortem examination was carried out on the body of the deceased, by a team of four pathologists including Brig. Gen. Dr Kusasira Stephen, the Director of Medical Services in the UPDF, the personal Doctor of the late, Dr Khiingi Ben together with two family members.
Enanga said the team of pathologists established that the victim developed a simple fracture of the right ankle joint, around the end of July 2021 which was being managed by an Orthopedic Surgeon at Ruby Medical Centre.
“They put a POP cast at the victim’s leg and managed him as an outpatient, with regular reviews. They further encouraged him to do mild exercises while at home,” Enanga said.
He explained that it was further established that the pain in the deceased’s right leg started increasing in the last two to three days after which his Orthopedic Surgeon was notified.
“He had scheduled an appointment for him on the 21.08.2021, at around 8.30am -900am. Indeed at around 7:54, the victim called the Orthopedic Surgeon to reconfirm their appointment. It is unfortunate, that shortly after, the victim started facing breathing problems and called his personal Doctor, Dr. Ben Khiingi, who rushed to the home, but found the victim breathing his last and died,” he explained.
He added that during the autopsy, the pathologists opened the right lower leg, which got injured and found a very big blood clot, that had formed in one of the big blood vessels.
According to the police spokesman, they further opened his chest and found part of the blood clot had been carried into the lungs. As a result, both vessels in the lungs were blocked, thus leading to the shortage of breath and subsequent death.
“It was thus concluded as death due to natural causes,” Enanga added thanking all mourners, well-wishers and members of the public who have rallied behind the family of the deceased in addition to sharing messages of love, support, encouragement and prayers.
The police spokesperson further, gave details concerning the fallen general’s burial. He said on Wednesday, his body will be transported to his home in Wakiso at Kitikifumba in Kira Division, for prayers and public viewing.
Then on Thursday, it will be flown to Baibir village in Pader District and then buried on Friday. Enanga said the deceased’s burial will be with full honours from the police, while the gun salute will be presented by the UPDF.
The pallbearers will be UPDF officers at the rank of Major General, while the sword bearers will be police officers at the rank of Commissioner.
“We want to inform all mourners and well wishers, planning on visiting the family or attending the vigil and service at the deceased’s home, that due to COVID-19, they are reminded to wear a mask, sanitize or regularly wash their hands with soap and also maintain social distancing,” Enanga wrote further.
“There is a capacity limit with the burial arrangement at the home in Kampala, in Pader and at the burial grounds at Baibir village, Pader district. For those planning on paying their last respects in the village, are also advised to do so in a safe manner. Our enforcement teams will maintain safety and security within and around all venues.”
