Police in Kampala are investigating the death of Martha Ahumuza Murari, who collapsed at Mezo Noir Bar in Kololo and later died at a hospital. Preliminary investigations indicate that Ahumuza had arranged to meet a key suspect, identified as Edward Mugabo, a cashier at the same bar.
Detectives involved in the case have revealed that WhatsApp messages retrieved from the deceased's phone show a conversation between Ahumuza and Mugabo. In these messages, Ahumuza reportedly inquired whether Mugabo would be at Mezo Noir on Wednesday night, taking advantage of her mother's absence. Ahumuza resided with her mother, Barbara Kagonyera, in Namugongo, Kiira Division, Wakiso District. At the time of the incident, her mother was away on a business trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
According to the investigation, Ahumuza first visited another bar in Kololo around 10 pm, spending approximately one and a half hours there before joining Mugabo at Mezo Noir at 11 pm. It was at Mezo Noir where she allegedly consumed poisoned liquor.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured Ahumuza entering an office within the bar with Mugabo. Shortly after, Mugabo is said to have rushed out in distress, seeking assistance from his brother, Joseph Kalenzi. A detective stated that by the time Ahumuza collapsed, all other customers had left, leaving only four individuals in the bar.
Investigators have also noted a disturbing detail: after allegedly consuming the poisoned drink, Ahumuza was sexually assaulted before collapsing. She was subsequently taken to Kampala Hospital but was pronounced dead the following day. A detective confirmed that a medical examination revealed evidence of penetration within the relevant timeframe.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed that a post-mortem examination was conducted by police forensic pathologists. Additionally, officials from the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) collected samples from the deceased's internal organs for testing, and the results are pending.
Mr. Onyango further stated that two suspects, Mugabo and his brother Kalenzi, are currently in police custody. He added that detectives are in the process of preparing the case file to submit it to the Resident State Attorney for legal advice.
