Casablanca Bar, Mukono, the popular nightlife spot at the center of the mysterious death of Uganda Christian University (UCU) student Trevor James Byandala, has been shut down indefinitely amid mounting pressure from the public and authorities.
The closure follows intense scrutiny over the bar’s failure to promptly report Byandala’s death and concerns regarding its operational practices. Mukono municipal authorities, in collaboration with law enforcement, ordered the bar’s immediate closure on Thursday, citing a breach of public safety regulations and its suspected involvement in the student’s tragic demise.
The police have ramped up their investigation into the case, with sources indicating that several Casablanca staff members, including the bar manager and a student promoter, are being interrogated. Authorities are also examining surveillance footage from the premises to determine what transpired on the night of Byandala’s disappearance.
“We have gathered critical evidence that suggests there were lapses in how this case was handled by the management of Casablanca,” said a senior officer involved in the investigation. “We will not hesitate to take action against anyone found culpable.”
Students and staff at UCU have welcomed the bar’s closure, with many expressing anger over the circumstances surrounding Byandala’s death. A candlelight vigil was held on campus, with students demanding justice and greater accountability from entertainment venues frequented by young people.
“The loss of Trevor is heartbreaking, and the fact that it took so long for the truth to come out is unacceptable,” said UCU Guild President H.E. Samantha Mwesigye. “We need establishments to be responsible for the safety of their patrons.”
Mysterious death of Trevor
Trevor 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 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.
We shall keep you updated on how this investigation unfolds.
