The Kyambogo University community is mourning the tragic and senseless murder of one of its own, a second-year student who was fatally attacked while working as a boda boda rider to support his education.
The deceased, identified as Wamanga Khamis, a 24-year-old pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, was killed on Friday, May 17, 2024, in the Namungona Zone 2 area of Rubaga Division, Kampala. According to reports, Wamanga was allegedly lured by unknown assailants posing as customers and later attacked with a hammer before his body was dumped near Kasubi tombs.
His motorcycle and phone were stolen, leading investigators to suspect that the murder was orchestrated under the guise of a boda boda ride request. Wamanga, a resident of Banda and an active student from the 2022/2023 intake, had turned to boda boda riding to raise tuition and personal upkeep.
Police recovered his body and took it to Mulago City Mortuary for a postmortem. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, confirmed that the case is under active investigation. He urged the public, especially boda boda riders, to exercise caution while operating at night and when carrying unfamiliar passengers.
Wamanga’s friends and fellow students described him as determined and hardworking. News of his death sparked outrage and sorrow across social media platforms, with fellow students calling for justice and improved safety for working students.
The funeral service for Wamanga was held in his home district of Mbale, where friends, family, and Kyambogo University representatives paid their last respects.
This tragic incident adds to a growing concern over the safety of boda boda operators in Kampala and raises questions about the vulnerability of students who take on part-time work to sustain their education.
