KAMPALA — The mystery surrounding the sudden death of Martha Ahumuza Murari at Mezo Noir bar in Kololo has taken a dramatic turn after forensic tests ruled out poisoning—initially the central theory in the police investigation.
Toxicology reports from the Government Analytical Laboratory have confirmed that no traces of poison were found in the body of the 29-year-old socialite, who collapsed on March 27 after a night out with friends.
Police forensic pathologists have now concluded that Ahumuza died from increased intracranial pressure caused by a brain hemorrhage, effectively debunking earlier suspicions of foul play through poisoning.
“The postmortem shows that she suffered a spontaneous brain bleed, leading to a fatal rise in pressure inside the skull,” said a senior police pathologist who spoke on condition of anonymity. “There was no evidence of external substances or toxins in her system.”
The autopsy, conducted at Mulago National Referral Hospital and overseen by Police Medical Services Director AIGP Moses Byaruhanga, described the condition as intracranial hypertension—commonly caused by a burst blood vessel or trauma, resulting in brain swelling and compression of vital centres.
“In her case, the bleed appears to have affected the brainstem, the part of the brain that controls breathing and heart rate,” the expert added.
Family members said doctors told them that her chest was also filled with fluids from vomiting, further complicating her condition.
Ahumuza had been drinking with Edward Mugabo, a cashier at Mezo Noir, on the night she collapsed. Initial suspicions were raised after she fell unconscious in the bar’s manager’s office, a section of the premises not covered by CCTV. She was rushed to Kampala Hospital and placed on life support, but died shortly after arrival.
The following day, Mugabo and his brother Joseph Kalenzi—who helped rush her to hospital—were arrested and detained at Kiira Road Police Station. They were later released on police bond pending further investigation.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed yesterday that both postmortem and toxicology reports have been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal guidance.
“We’re awaiting advice from the DPP now that the initial cause of death theory has changed,” Onyango said.
The collapse of the poisoning narrative has cast uncertainty on the legal standing of the case, which had been registered as a suspected murder.
Sources close to the investigation said that detectives retrieved WhatsApp messages between the deceased and Mr Mugabo, which remain under review for context around their relationship and activities on the night of her death.
Ahumuza, who lived with her mother in Namugongo, reportedly left home while her mother was away and met Mugabo at Mezo Noir late that night. She had earlier visited another bar in Kololo before joining him around 11 p.m.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows the two entering the office together around 3:30 a.m., where she later collapsed. Mugabo was seen exiting the room moments later in distress.
With the forensic analysis now pointing to natural medical causes, legal experts say the focus of the investigation could shift toward establishing whether there was any negligence or delay in seeking medical help, rather than intent to harm.
As police await the DPP’s decision, the case continues to draw public interest, not only because of its high-profile setting and initial dramatic claims, but also due to the evolving nature of the evidence.