Family and friends gathered on Saturday to honor the life of Martha Ahumuza Murari, a 23-year-old graduate whose tragic death has deeply shaken the nation.
Martha, who had recently graduated from Isbat University, passed away early Thursday morning at Kampala Hospital, where she was rushed in critical condition. Police suspect poisoning as the cause of her death.
Kira Road Police are investigating claims that Martha’s drink was spiked while she was at Mezo Noir Bar in Kololo.
At a funeral service held at All Saints Church in Kampala, new details emerged about Martha’s final moments. Her family shared that she had suffered aspiration pneumonia and a severe brain hemorrhage, which ultimately led to her death.
Bryan, Martha Ahumuza’s brother, was among the first family members to arrive at the hospital. He explained to mourners that the doctors informed him she had choked on her own vomit, causing a brain hemorrhage. They described how her brain had filled with fluids from the vomit.
Julie, a close family friend who also rushed to the hospital, recalled being told that Martha Ahumuza was brain dead upon arrival. She was informed that if there had been any possibility of saving her, the doctors would have arranged to transfer her to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi for further treatment.
Martha Ahumuza’s father, Seth Murari, arrived shortly after and was given the same devastating news. Refusing to accept her condition, he insisted on a second opinion from other doctors. However, the experts confirmed there was no hope of reviving her.
Seth decided to keep Martha on life support until her mother, Barbra, could arrive from Dubai. Despite the overwhelming grief, Seth vowed to seek justice for his daughter, saying, “I promise the public and our relatives that we will get to the bottom of this, no matter the cost.”
Barbra, Martha’s mother, was heartbroken as she reflected on her daughter’s unfulfilled dreams. She shared how she had gifted Martha a car when she started university and urged her to stay safe. Barbra recalled Martha’s promise to bring her a degree, which she proudly fulfilled in December.
“I’m so hurt because many of the things she promised me will never come to pass. I only got to celebrate her graduation. She promised me she would get married, bring a son-in-law, and a grandchild. Now, she’s gone without any of that.” Barbra said tearfully
Martha Ahumuza was remembered as a bright and ambitious young woman who made many friends. Her uncle, Brigadier General John Bosco Asinguza, praised her entrepreneurial spirit, sharing how she helped start her second-hand clothes business.
Police have arrested two individuals—Edward Mugabo, a cashier at Mezo Noir Bar, and his brother Joseph Kalenzi—to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Martha will be laid to rest today at her family’s ancestral home in Nyarubanga, Mbarara.
