news 13 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Seven Arrested in Wakiso Over Murder of KIU Student
Police in Wakiso have apprehended seven individuals in connection with the murder of Kampala International University (KIU) student Patricia Kairu. Kairu's body was discovered on August 4, 2026, in Kiyanja Cell, Nabbingo Ward. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/seven-arrested-over-murder-of-kiu-student-in-wakiso-5593380
Authorities have arrested seven suspects as investigations continue into the death of Patricia Kairu, a student at Kampala International University (KIU). Kairu’s body was found in Kiyanja Cell, Nabbingo Ward, Wakiso District, on August 4, 2026.
The investigation gained momentum with the arrest of the first suspect on September 3. Detectives established that this individual had arranged to meet Kairu on the day she was reportedly killed. The following day, Kairu’s mobile phone was recovered from a security guard and his wife. Preliminary findings suggested the phone was sold through a shop located in KK Plaza on Namirembe Road.
On September 8, police conducted an operation at KK Plaza, arresting 37 individuals and seizing 360 second-hand mobile phones from 15 shops. Five of these, including four men and one woman, were identified as having connections to the shop where Kairu’s phone was allegedly sold.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire stated that all seven suspects remain in custody. Police are working to ascertain the exact circumstances of Kairu’s death and the extent of the arrested individuals’ involvement. “We remain committed to thoroughly investigating the matter and bringing all those found responsible to justice,” Owoyesigyire assured.
This incident highlights a concerning pattern of violent deaths involving KIU students. In 2025, two men were arrested for the killing of Linette Karunga, a student at KIU’s Western Campus. Additionally, in 2022, police investigated the murder of Adam Rukundo, a final-year law student found deceased in his room.
The ongoing investigation aims to determine how Kairu died, track her phone’s movements post-murder, and establish a direct link between the arrested suspects and the crime. Police statistics from the 2025 Annual Crime Report indicate a significant number of homicide cases reported nationwide.