Fresh details presented in court have significantly shifted the direction of investigations into the death of Uganda Christian University (UCU) law student Bridget Arikiriza, with prosecutors now treating the case as a suspected murder rather than a road accident.
John Bosco Mayanja, 25, who was earlier remanded over her death, has now been formally linked to a murder charge.
He appeared before Grade One Magistrate Joy Kebirungi at the Mukono Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was remanded to Luzira Prison until June 4, 2026, as inquiries into the capital offence continue.
In earlier reports, Arikiriza’s death had been described as resulting from a suspected road accident along Katosi Road on April 8, after the couple left The Hive Lounge in Mukono.
Mayanja had reportedly contacted bar staff using the victim’s phone, claiming she had been involved in an road accident and asking them to pick her up.
However, according state, led by prosecutor Basajjabalaba Siratwa, Mayanja and unidentified accomplices allegedly murdered the 22-year-old student that night at Luwule village in Nakisunga Sub-county along the Mukono–Katosi road.
Court heard that the couple had a disagreement at The Hive bar before leaving. Mayanja is accused of forcing Arikiriza into his Toyota Premio (UBH 872C). Shortly afterward, he allegedly made the call reporting an “accident,” which investigators now suspect was intended to mislead.
Prosecution further alleges that Mayanja later switched vehicles, transferring the victim into a Toyota Mark X (UBP 381Q), where he was joined by accomplices. She was eventually taken to Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Police say inconsistencies in Mayanja’s initial account, where he reported the incident as a road accident, triggered deeper investigations.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Recheal Kawala confirmed that findings now suggest Arikiriza sustained injuries before being taken to hospital.
“Investigations have since established that the deceased sustained injuries prior to being rushed for medical attention,” Kawala said.
Detectives have since recovered both vehicles allegedly used on the night and conducted crime scene examinations at locations believed to be connected to the incident.
Family members have also raised concerns over the nature of Arikiriza’s injuries. Her brother, Isalah Arinda, said she was found with head wounds that the family believes were inflicted during a confrontation.
“Bridget and Mayanja were in a relationship, but there were underlying issues,” Arinda said. He added that shortly before her death, she had confided in a friend about fears for her safety but was unable to speak openly.
Arinda expressed appreciation for the progress of the investigations and said the family hopes justice will be served.
The case continues to unfold as police work to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death of the promising final-year law student, whose passing has deeply shaken the UCU community.
