Patricia Rose Turindamukama, the prime suspect in the murder of 22-year-old Olives Bar and Restaurant waitress Jovia Namuwulya, has been charged with murder and aggravated robbery and remanded to Luzira Prison.
Turindamukama appeared before City Hall Chief Magistrate Nicholas Aisu, where the charges were read to her. She was not allowed to enter a plea because murder and aggravated robbery are capital offences that are tried by the High Court.
According to the prosecution, Turindamukama, together with other suspects who are still at large, is accused of unlawfully causing Namuwulya’s death during the night of August 20, 2026, at Mukalazi Zone in Kampala District, with malice aforethought.
She is charged with murder contrary to Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act.
The prosecution further alleges that Turindamukama committed aggravated robbery by allegedly stealing Namuwulya’s iPhone 12 Pro Max, valued at Shs2 million, a cream-coloured handbag, two blouses, a dress and a passport.
The state alleges that the robbery was carried out using a knife and that Namuwulya was subsequently killed.
Turindamukama was remanded to Luzira Prison until September 22, 2026, as investigations into the circumstances surrounding Namuwulya’s death continue.
The killing
Namuwulya, who was also known as “Jovia 1235” on TikTok, was found dead in her rented room in Mukalazi Zone, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division, Kampala, on August 20.
According to preliminary police information, her workmates became concerned after she failed to respond to their calls. They reportedly went to her residence, where they discovered her body wrapped in bedsheets and covered in blood.
Preliminary findings indicated that Namuwulya may have sustained stab wounds before her body was wrapped in the bedsheets.
Police arrested Turindamukama on August 24 at a friend’s residence in Mbuya, Nakawa Division.
Investigators reportedly suspect that she may have been preparing to leave the country for Iraq, although the circumstances surrounding the alleged travel plans remain subject to investigation.
The prosecution is expected to continue gathering evidence as investigations proceed. Turindamukama remains presumed innocent unless and until she is convicted by a competent court.
