Police in Kampala have arrested two men in connection with the suspected poisoning of 23-year-old Martha Ahumuza Murari, who collapsed under mysterious circumstances at Mezo Noir, a popular nightclub in Kololo.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, confirmed the arrest of Edward Mugabo, a cashier at the club, and his brother Joseph Kalenzi. The two are currently detained at Kiira Road Police Station as investigations intensify.
“We are looking into a suspected poisoning case that took place at Mezo Noir in the early hours of Thursday morning. The victim, a female patron, collapsed in the manager’s office, prompting immediate action from those present,” Onyango stated.
Preliminary reports indicate that Martha had been drinking with Mugabo from around 2 a.m. until 3:30 a.m., at which point they moved to the manager’s office, which is equipped with CCTV cameras. It was there that she allegedly lost consciousness. Mugabo then alerted his brother Kalenzi, and together, they rushed her to Kampala Hospital.
Medical sources report that while Martha remains on life support, doctors have declared her brain unresponsive, though her other organs are still functioning.
Meanwhile, Mezo Noir’s management has announced a temporary shutdown due to the ongoing investigation. In a statement released on Friday, the club acknowledged the situation and apologized for any disruptions caused to patrons. “We will communicate a reopening date once circumstances allow,” the statement read.
As Martha’s condition remains critical, her family and close friends have begun preparations for a possible farewell, though they continue to hold on to hope for a miracle.
Martha Ahumuza Murari (13/02/2002 – 20/03/2025)
Programme:
• Official Vigil: Friday, 21st March 2025 – Kembabazi Restaurant, Naguru
• Church Service: Saturday, 22nd March 2025 – All Saints Church, Kampala (10:00 AM)
• Night Service: Saturday, 22nd March 2025 – Nyarubanga, Mbarara
• Sendoff: Sunday, 23rd March 2025 – Nyarubanga, Mbarara
As investigations unfold, many questions remain unanswered. What really happened in the manager’s office at Mezo Noir? Was Martha poisoned, and if so, by whom? Kampala waits for justice.
