Jinja: A Norwegian national, Robert Hausvik, 39, was found dead in Jinja City, Uganda, on March 10, 2025. Initially, his girlfriend, Sheillah Nabatanzi, and friend, Ali Kigozi, claimed he had committed suicide.
However, a postmortem examination revealed that Hausvik had actually been murdered by strangulation.
A police investigation, led by the Regional Criminal Investigation Director (CID), SSP Dr. Monday Johnson Agaba, uncovered inconsistencies in the suspects’ accounts.
The comprehensive investigation led to the arrest of the two suspects, who were later arraigned before court.
In a media release on Sunday, March 23, 2025, SP James Mubi, the spokesperson of Kiira Regional Police, stated:
“Upon the arrest of the two suspects on March 10, they claimed that the Norwegian national, commonly known as Katongole, had committed suicide during the night between Sunday, March 9, and Monday, March 10, 2025, at his rented residence in Walukuba West, Block C, Maternity Cell, Southern Division, Jinja City.”
How Things Unfolded
Robert Hausvik, affectionately known as Katongole, lived with his girlfriend in a three-room house consisting of two bedrooms, a sitting room, and a kitchen. The couple occupied one bedroom, while their friend, Ali Kigozi, and his girlfriend, Zam Zam, lived in the second bedroom.
On Sunday, March 9, Hausvik and Nabatanzi spent the evening together at Bourbon Bar and Lounge in Jinja City. However, their night out took a sour turn when they got into a heated argument.
It is reported that Nabatanzi left the bar and returned home, leaving Hausvik behind. He later joined her, but their quarrel escalated. Eventually, Nabatanzi went to bed, leaving Hausvik in the sitting room.
The next morning, Ali Kigozi reportedly discovered Hausvik’s lifeless body, apparently hanging from his trousers. Nabatanzi and Kigozi rushed him to a nearby clinic and later to Mivule Crescent Medical Center, but it was too late.
Police found the body in the emergency room, covered with green bedsheets, with an injury on his right toes. It was taken to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital mortuary. The following day, March 11, the body was transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Police investigators conducted a thorough examination of both the Walukuba West residence and Mivule Crescent Medical Center to uncover the truth. They collected evidence, recorded statements from key witnesses, and retrieved exhibits to aid in the investigation.
According to SP Mubi, preliminary findings at the Walukuba residence raised doubts about the suicide claim, prompting Dr. Monday Johnson Agaba to order a more in-depth investigation.
A forensic examination conducted by AIGP Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, Uganda Police Director of Medical Services, and Dr. Moses Ambayo, confirmed that Hausvik had been murdered by strangulation.
Court Proceedings & Police Warning
Following the postmortem report, the Resident Senior State Attorney sanctioned the case, leading to the suspects’ arraignment before the Jinja Magistrate’s Court on March 21.
His Worship Yafesi Ochieng, the Grade One Magistrate of Jinja, remanded the duo to Kirinya Prisons until March 31 for further court proceedings.
Dr. Monday Johnson Agaba issued a stern warning to couples and the public, urging them not to disguise homicides as suicides. He emphasized that distinguishing between suicide and murder is often straightforward.
As investigations continue, police are working to establish the motive behind the murder. Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities are searching for Zam Zam, the girlfriend of Ali Kigozi, who is currently at large.
The public is encouraged to come forward with any information regarding Zam Zam’s whereabouts.
