The sudden death of 23-year-old Martha Murari Ahumuza left many in shock. The young human resources manager and Kampala socialite collapsed at Mezo Noir Bar in Kololo in the early hours of March 20. She remained in a coma for over 24 hours before being pronounced dead at Kampala Hospital on March 21. Police launched a full-scale investigation, suspecting possible poisoning. Authorities are now piecing together her final moments.
Reports indicate that Ahumuza spent the evening of March 19 at Speke Apartments, where she attended aerobics and swimming. Later, she met her close friend, Dorreck Ampaire, at Auras Bar and Lodge, where they stayed until midnight. From there, she visited Eria Mubiru, a man she was reportedly romantically involved with. While at his residence, she exchanged messages with Edward Mugabo, the manager of Mezo Noir Bar. At around 1:00 a.m., she told Mubiru she was heading home to Kira but instead went to meet Mugabo.
Surveillance footage shows Ahumuza arriving at Mezo Noir Bar at 1:45 a.m. Inside, she and Mugabo were alone as he served her several shots of Jägermeister mixed with Red Bull. Investigators noticed that she discreetly poured some of her drink into a dustbin when Mugabo stepped away. When he returned, he added more shots to her glass. At 2:29 a.m., they walked hand-in-hand to the manager’s office.
According to police reports, Ahumuza and Mugabo engaged in sexual intercourse inside the office. It was during or shortly after this encounter that Ahumuza lost consciousness. About an hour later, Mugabo was seen making frantic phone calls. His brother, Joseph Kalisa, soon arrived in a black Mercedes-Benz. With the help of security guard Deus Niwamanya, they carried the unresponsive Ahumuza into the vehicle.
She was rushed to Kampala Hospital and admitted in critical condition at 4:00 a.m. Following her death, police arrested five people linked to the incident. These include Mugabo, Kalisa, Mubiru, Niwamanya, and Ampaire. Investigators have sealed off Mezo Noir Bar and collected key evidence. Items include bottles of Jägermeister, a glass with a yellowish liquid, and materials from the manager’s office.
Toxicology tests are being conducted to determine if she was poisoned or suffered alcohol-related toxicity. A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc wine consumed earlier at Mubiru’s home is also under analysis. Meanwhile, Ahumuza’s family is demanding answers. Her mother, Barbara Murali Kagonyera, was in Dubai on business when the tragedy occurred. She has vowed to find out what really happened to her daughter.
The young socialite was laid to rest on March 23 in Nyarubanga, Mbarara, after a funeral service at All Saints Church in Nakasero. Investigations are ongoing as authorities try to establish whether Ahumuza’s death was an accident or something more sinister. Many questions remain unanswered, leaving the city eager for the truth.
