By Robert Segawa
Kampala Metropolitan Police have intensified investigations into the murder of Kairu Patricia, a second-year student at Kampala International University (KIU), whose body was found dumped in Kiyanja Cell, Nabbingo Ward, Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District.
Patricia’s body was recovered on August 4, 2026, by passers-by who alerted police after finding it dumped in the area with visible bruises.
According to Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, police have so far arrested more than 37 suspects as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
Owoyesigyire said that on September 3, 2026, police arrested Mawanda Abdul Swabur, a resident of Kiyanja, after investigations established that he had arranged to meet Patricia in Kyengera on the day of the incident.
Mawanda is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
On September 4, 2026, police recovered Patricia’s mobile phone and arrested Matata Philian, a security guard at Seroma Hardware, together with his wife, Ayikoru Robinah.
The phone was recovered from the couple, and preliminary investigations established that it had allegedly been purchased from a shop at KK Plaza Basement along Namirembe Road.
On September 8, 2026, Crime Intelligence and other police units cordoned off Namirembe Road and conducted an operation at KK Plaza Basement.
During the operation, police arrested 37 suspects and recovered 360 second-hand mobile phones from 15 shops.
During the screening of the suspects, five people were positively identified as being connected to the shop from which Patricia’s phone was allegedly purchased.
Owoyesigyire identified the five suspects as Baker Maiso, Brian Kayongo, Mugerwa Morris, Nagawa Christine and Balyejusa Brian.
All the suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue to establish their individual roles and possible connections to the murder.
“Kampala Metropolitan Police remains committed to thoroughly investigating the matter and bringing all those found responsible to justice,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police said the suspects will be produced before court upon completion of investigations.
