The Chief Magistrates Court in Nakawa has remanded Jolin Kanohere Rugari, wife to Zimbabwe’s Consul General in Uganda, over the alleged murder of the couple’s two-year-old son, Nganwa Rugari.
Kanohere, 40, appeared before court on Friday alongside her housemaid, Robinah Nabbanja. Both women face serious charges connected to the child’s death, which reportedly occurred between April 1 and 2, 2025, at their home in Mutungo Zone 8, Nakawa Division, Kampala.
According to the prosecution, Kanohere is accused of unlawfully killing her son with malice aforethought, in violation of Section 189 of Uganda’s Penal Code Act.
Her housemaid, Nabbanja, is accused of being an accessory after the fact. Prosecutors allege she knowingly assisted Kanohere after the murder to help her evade justice—charges brought under Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code.
Due to the capital nature of the offenses, both accused were not allowed to enter a plea. Such cases can only be tried in the High Court.
The courtroom remained tense as details emerged. State prosecutors told the magistrate that investigations into the child’s death are still ongoing. They requested additional time to complete inquiries before the matter can proceed to the High Court.
Trial Magistrate adjourned the case and ordered that both Kanohere and Nabbanja be remanded to Luzira Prison until further notice.
The alleged crime has sent shockwaves through diplomatic and public circles alike, especially given Kanohere’s prominent status as the spouse of Chris Rugari, Zimbabwe’s Consul General to Uganda.
Residents of Mutungo expressed disbelief over the accusations.
“She always appeared calm and respectful,” one neighbor told local media. “We never saw this coming.”
The brutal nature of the charges has also triggered calls from child rights activists urging authorities to handle the matter with urgency and transparency.
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge surrounding the circumstances of the boy’s death.
Meanwhile, both accused await their fate behind bars at Luzira, Uganda’s highest-security prison.
No date has been set yet for their appearance before the High Court. If convicted, Kanohere faces a maximum sentence of death under Ugandan law.
