The Uganda Christian University (UCU) community is mourning the tragic loss of a first-year student, Trevor James Byandala, who was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Logistics Management. He was reportedly found dead on Tuesday, 28th January 2025, after being missing for two weeks.
The deceased had been missing for two weeks, and a search by friends and family had been ongoing. The news of his death was announced by the UCU Students’ Guild, though specific details surrounding the circumstances of his disappearance and death have not yet been disclosed.
According to a statement from the UCU Guild President, H.E. Samantha Mwesigye, and her team, the incident was reported to the police by Casablanca personnel on January 16 at 3:00 PM. The police retrieved Trevor’s body from the bar, conducted a post-mortem examination, and initially buried him in the city cemetery. His family later re-interred him at their own premises.
The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Trevor’s death, focusing on why Casablanca Bar did not inform the university about the incident and the reasons behind the delay in reporting the death, which was reported several hours after its occurrence. The manager of Casablanca and a UCU student working as a promoter have been detained for questioning, though further details remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation.
Despite the incident, Casablanca Bar remains operational.
In response to this tragedy, the university administration has urged students to regularly check on their peers, especially those residing in the same halls or hostels. They have also advised students to avoid traveling late at night, steer clear of insecure locations, and be mindful of the people they associate with, particularly those they haven’t known for long.
The UCU community extends its deepest sympathies to Trevor’s family during this difficult time, offering prayers for comfort and strength. As investigations continue, the university emphasizes the importance of vigilance and community support to prevent such tragedies in the future.
