A 25-year-old man has been remanded to Luzira Prison in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, a final-year law student at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono.
John Bosco Mayanja, a resident of Kisoga in Kisoga-Ntenjeru Town Council, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Joy Kebirungi at the Mukono Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday. He is accused of killing 22-year-old Bridget Arikiriza.
The magistrate ordered Mayanja remanded until June 4, 2026, after the prosecution informed the court that investigations into the capital offence were still ongoing. As a lower court, the Grade One Court can only mention the case and not hear its substance.
According to the prosecution, led by Basajjabalaba Siratwa, Mayanja and unidentified accomplices allegedly murdered Arikiriza on the night of April 8, 2026, along the Mukono-Katosi road at Luwule village in Nakisunga sub-county, Mukono District.
Prosecutors allege that the couple had a disagreement at The Hive bar in Mukono town that night. Mayanja reportedly bundled Arikiriza into his Premo car, registration number UBH 872C. A short while later he allegedly called a worker at the bar, claiming that his girlfriend had been involved in an accident on the Katosi road.
Court heard that Mayanja then switched vehicles, transferring the victim into a Toyota Mark X, registration UBP 381Q, where he was with his accomplices. The group rushed her to Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Police spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, Recheal Kawala, said Mayanja first reported the incident to police as a road accident. However, inconsistencies in his statement raised suspicions, leading to his arrest.
“Investigations have since established that the deceased sustained injuries before she was taken to hospital,” Kawala said.
Police have recovered both vehicles allegedly used on the fateful night. Crime scene visits have also been conducted in areas where the victim is believed to have sustained the fatal injuries.
Isalah Arinda, brother of the deceased, told journalists that his sister was found with wounds on her head, which the family believes were inflicted during the altercation with Mayanja.
“Bridget and Mayanja loved each other, but there were underlying issues,” Arinda said. “On March 29, she visited his home. Before her death, she confided in her friend Ritah that there were things troubling her, but she feared for her life and could not speak openly.”
Arinda thanked the police for their swift investigations and expressed hope that the family would receive justice.
Fellow students at UCU Mukono were devastated by the news, which spread rapidly through their class WhatsApp group.
Ategega James Amooti and Evans Mutinye, who studied with Arikiriza, described her as a quiet, respectful and focused student who rarely engaged in unnecessary talk.
“She was brilliant and dedicated to her studies,” one student said.
Residents of Mukono town have expressed worry over the safety of university students, particularly young women who come from upcountry and live alone. Many cited the risks of entering relationships with local men without proper caution.
Hajjati Fatumah Ndisaba, the RD C Mukono strongly condemned the killing.
“This is a very sad incident. The suspect was known in some circles for allegedly selling marijuana in parts of Mukono,” she said. “I urge all students, especially the girls, to be very careful about the people they get into relationships with. Some of these men can be dangerous.”
The case continues to attract widespread attention in Mukono and the broader university community, with many calling for thorough investigations to ensure all accomplices are brought to justice.
