Police at Jinja Road have arrested Joline Mutesi, wife to prominent city businessman Chris Rugari, in connection with the suspicious death of their two-year-old son, Nganwa. The child, a resident of Mutungo Zone 8, was reported to have died under unclear circumstances following an alleged fall from the first floor of their family home.
Joline Mutesi
The incident occurred on the night of April 1, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., prompting immediate concern from neighbors and authorities alike.
Late Nganwa
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango, Mutesi contacted an ambulance service soon after the alleged fall. The child was taken to Kitintale Hospital and arrived at around 10:00 p.m. “The doctor on duty examined the child and noted that he was conscious and showed no alarming symptoms. Painkillers were administered, and a CT scan was recommended. However, the child was not admitted,” Onyango said.
Businessman Chris Rugari
Tragically, at around 5:00 a.m. the following morning, Mutesi returned to the hospital with the child, who was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police were promptly informed, and a death inquiry file was opened. Detectives visited the residence in Mutungo to inspect the scene of the reported fall. It was during this investigation that serious discrepancies began to emerge.
“Our team noted that the window from which the child was said to have fallen had no burglar bars, was shut, and its lock was intact. Furthermore, a post-mortem examination conducted at the KCCA mortuary in Mulago revealed no visible physical injuries on the child’s body,” SSP Onyango added.
The inconsistencies in the mother’s account and the lack of physical evidence suggesting a fall led to the arrest of Joline Mutesi, who is currently in custody to assist with investigations.
The tragic incident has left the Mutungo community in shock, with many questioning what may have truly transpired on that fateful night. Family friends and neighbors described the toddler as playful and full of life, adding to the heartbreak surrounding his untimely death.
While businessman Chris Rugari has not yet issued a public statement, sources close to the family say he is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Speaking at the vigil, former prime minister Dr.Ruhakana Ruganda and Minister of State for Industry David Bahati urged mourners to remain calm and allow investigators to do their work. “Let us be patient and wait for the postmortem results,” he said.
Unconfirmed reports also suggest that the family may have been experiencing internal tensions, with allegations of a divorce in progress. However, these claims remain speculative as neither Chris Rugari nor his wife has commented publicly on the matter.
Chris Rugari is a well-known businessman who previously operated across South Sudan and Zambia.
As police continue to piece together the events leading up to Nganwa’s death, they are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. The investigation remains open, and further updates are expected in the coming days.