Martha Ahumuza’s Death: Arrests Made as Family Prepares for Burial
Odonga Mathew
Saturday, March 22, 2025
The sudden death of 23-year-old Martha Ahumuza Murari has shocked many in Uganda.
The sudden death of 23-year-old Martha Ahumuza Murari has shocked many in Uganda. She collapsed on the night of March 20, 2025, at Mezo Noir, a nightclub in Kololo, Kampala. Investigations are ongoing, and police have arrested two men linked to her final moments.
According to reports, Martha had been drinking with her friend Edward Mugabo, a cashier at the nightclub. Around 3 a.m., the two went to the nightclub manager’s office, which has no CCTV cameras. That’s where Martha suddenly collapsed. Mugabo quickly called his brother, Joseph Kalenzi, and the two rushed Martha to Kampala Hospital. Sadly, she died shortly after being placed on life support.
Police are now holding Mugabo and Kalenzi at Kira Road Police Station as part of the investigation. Authorities suspect possible poisoning, but the exact cause of death is still unknown. Mezo Noir has temporarily closed during the ongoing probe.
Martha was the only daughter of Seth Murari, the Presidential Adviser on Sports. Her family is deeply heartbroken. Her father asked the public not to spread false rumors online.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the loss of our beloved daughter. As of now, we ask the public to STOP speculating and circulating wrong information on social media as we put her to rest and let the security organs do their job of investigating,” he said.
The burial program for Martha has been released:
Vigil: Friday, March 21, 2025, at Kembabazi Catering Centre in Naguru, Kampala.
Church Service: Saturday, March 22, 2025, at All Saints Church at 10:00 AM.
Burial: Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Nyarubanga, Mbarara.
Martha’s passing has sparked concern about safety in nightclubs. Minister of State for Youth and Children’s Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, shared his concern on social media:
"So sad we have lost a young beautiful girl. I'm deeply concerned about the rising substance abuse and drug cases in our community."
He urged the police to act fast and take action against the spread of illegal drugs in Kampala’s nightspots.
Martha’s family and friends are remembering her as a joyful, ambitious, and loving person. Her brother, Matthew Murari, shared a heartfelt message:
“Martha was a very big dream… Although you live in heaven now, those memories will never fade.”
Her cousin, Brian Kambaho, described her as full of life and always ready to celebrate. He recalled that she had just celebrated her birthday two weeks before her death and had graduated with a degree in International Business from Isbat University. She also worked in HR and was well-loved at her workplace.
Beyond work, Martha was known for her positivity and her love for bringing happiness to others.
She often served as a maid of honor at weddings and was running her own small business. Kambaho also mentioned that her mother, Barbra Murari, received the tragic news while in Dubai and struggled to cope with it.
As police continue their investigations, Martha’s loved ones choose to focus on the light she brought to their lives and hope justice will be served.
