“Bridget’s life was a bright beam in our class. Her contagious smile and laughter were shared with both the known and unknown. She always showed up for others, whether it was helping with academics or offering emotional support,” he said.
A Mukono-based man has been remanded to prison as police investigate the suspected murder of his girlfriend, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) law student whose death has shocked the campus community.
Johnbosco Mayanja was on Thursday remanded to Kauga Prison by Grade I Magistrate Joy Keburungi until June 4, as investigations into the death of Bridget Arikiriza continue. His application for bail was denied after the prosecution raised objections.
Arikiriza, who was pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at UCU, had been expected to begin her fourth year this May.
She died in the early hours of April 8 along Katosi Road under circumstances that investigators say remain unclear but suspicious.
Preliminary police findings indicate that Arikiriza and Mayanja had spent the night at The HIVE Lounge in Mukono, near the Lands Office, where they reportedly had drinks and socialised. The pair later left together in a vehicle, suggesting they were either heading to a shared destination or that Mayanja was dropping her off.
Investigators say that shortly after leaving the lounge, Mayanja used Arikiriza’s phone to contact its management, claiming she had been involved in an accident along Katosi Road, ahead of Kisoga, and asked them to pick her up.
The lounge staff responded and rushed her to Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Medical reports indicate she sustained severe head injuries that led to internal bleeding.
While early accounts pointed to a possible road accident, police say the exact sequence of events leading to her death has not been established. The case is now being treated as a suspected homicide.
Unverified claims suggest the couple may have had a disagreement prior to the incident, and that Arikiriza could have been injured while attempting to escape. However, police have not confirmed these reports and maintain that investigations are ongoing.
Her death has deeply affected her peers and lecturers, who remember her as a vibrant, kind, and dedicated student.
Harrison Ricard Maganda, her class representative, described her as a source of positivity and support among classmates.
“Bridget’s life was a bright beam in our class. Her contagious smile and laughter were shared with both the known and unknown. She always showed up for others, whether it was helping with academics or offering emotional support,” he said.
Denis Amanya, General Secretary of the UCU Law Society, described her as a devoted reader and a friendly presence on campus.
“She was a bookworm who loved spending time in the library. She was everyone’s friend and always cheerful,” he said.
A close friend, Rolly Atimango, recalled her as a joyful soul who was deeply rooted in her faith and brought laughter wherever she went.
Arikiriza was laid to rest on April 11 in Kyamuhunga, Butare sub-county, Bushenyi District.
Police say inquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death are ongoing as court proceedings continue.
