Man remanded over murder of UCU law student in Mukono

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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 (May 4). 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 Toyota Premio 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 a crash on the Katosi Road.

22-year-old Bridget Arikiriza, a final-year law student at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono, who was allegedly murdered by his boyfriend, John Bosco Mayanja. (Courtesy photo)

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.

The police spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, Recheal Kawala, said Mayanja first reported the incident to the 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.

The police have recovered both vehicles allegedly used on the 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 alleged altercation with Mayanja.

“Bridget and Mayanja loved each other, but there were underlying issues,” Arinda said. “On March 29, 2026, 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 investigation and expressed hope that the family would receive justice.

Fellow students at UCU were devastated by the news, which spread rapidly through their class WhatsApp groups.

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.

Hajjati Fatumah Ndisaba, the RDC Mukono, strongly condemned the killing.

“This is a very sad incident. 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.”