Kampala Metropolitan Police has made significant progress in investigations into the murder of Kairu Patricia, a student at Kampala International University (KIU), whose body was found dumped in Kiyanja Cell, Nabbingo Ward, Kyengera Town Council, on August 4, 2026.
Police have so far arrested several suspects as investigators continue to piece together the events that led to Patricia’s death. The arrests followed investigations into the people she was in contact with and efforts to trace her belongings, particularly her mobile phone.
On September 3, police arrested Mawanda Abdul Swabur from Kiyanja. Investigations reportedly established that Mawanda had arranged to meet Patricia in Kyengera on the day she was killed. He remains in police custody as detectives continue questioning him and examining his possible connection to the murder.
A major development came on September 4 when police recovered Patricia’s mobile phone. The phone was found in the possession of Matata Philian, a security guard at Seroma Hardware, and his wife, Ayikoru Robinah. Preliminary investigations showed that the phone had reportedly been bought from a shop located in the basement of KK Plaza along Namirembe Road.
Following the discovery, police turned their attention to the mobile phone dealers operating at KK Plaza Basement. On September 8, officers carried out an operation in the area, leading to the arrest of 37 suspects and the recovery of 360 second-hand mobile phones from 15 shops.
During the screening of those arrested, police identified five people believed to be connected to the shop from which Patricia’s phone was allegedly purchased. The five suspects are Baker Maiso, Brian Kayongo, Mugerwa Morris, Nagawa Christine and Balyejusa Brian.
All the suspects remain in police custody as investigators work to establish their individual roles and determine whether they have any direct connection to Patricia’s murder. Police are also expected to examine the movement and sale of the recovered mobile phone as part of efforts to establish how it changed hands after the killing.
Kampala Metropolitan Police has assured the public that investigations will continue until all circumstances surrounding Patricia’s death are fully established. Police said everyone found responsible will be brought to justice and that the suspects will be taken to court once investigations are completed.
