Baby dies hours before paternity test in terrible Kampala case
Ugandan police is busy in a full-scale investigation into the suspicious death of two-year-old Nganwa Rugari—a case that has drawn national and international attention due to its links to a contentious divorce, a court-ordered DNA test, and mounting suspicions of foul play.
The child’s mother, Joline Dusabe Mutesi, 40, a resident of Mutungo Zone 8 in Kampala’s Nakawa Division, is currently in police custody as authorities work to determine whether her son’s death was accidental—or something far more sinister.
Initially reported as a tragic fall from a building, the incident has evolved into a complex criminal probe involving high-level diplomatic circles. The boy’s father, Chris Rugari, is a Ugandan diplomat currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with Mutesi.
A Death Coinciding With a DNA Test
The case took a dramatic turn due to its timing. On April 2, 2025—the very day Nganwa was pronounced dead—he and his younger sister were scheduled to undergo DNA testing as part of the couple’s ongoing divorce proceedings. This followed earlier DNA results on their three older children (aged 14, 12, and 10), which revealed that two were not biologically related to Rugari.
Discrepancies in the Narrative
According to a police statement issued on April 6 by SSP Patrick Onyango, investigations began after Mutesi reported that her son had fallen from the first floor of their home around 8:30 p.m. on April 1. She took him to Kitintale Hospital at 10 p.m., where he was examined and discharged with instructions for a CT scan.
However, at 5 a.m. the next morning, Mutesi returned with the child in critical condition. He was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police became involved immediately, and a postmortem was conducted at Mulago City Mortuary. The results only deepened the mystery: there were no visible signs of injury on the child’s body—no bruises, swelling, bleeding, or abrasions—casting doubt on the claim of a fall.
Even more alarming, investigators found that the window allegedly involved in the fall was securely locked, permanently shut, and had no burglar bars—contradicting the reported circumstances.
Unusual Behavior and Interference Alleged
Authorities also raised concerns about Mutesi’s actions immediately following her son’s death. Relatives told investigators she began making calls to arrange for the body’s removal from the hospital just minutes after his passing, urging them to quickly assist with burial preparations.
“She seemed determined to take control of the body and the burial right away,” a family member said. “It felt like she didn’t want anyone else involved.”
Her efforts were blocked by Rugari’s family, who insisted on involving police. This move ensured a forensic examination could be performed and preserved key biological evidence.
Investigators Examine Motive
With the backdrop of the ongoing paternity dispute, detectives are exploring whether the child’s death may have been an intentional act aimed at halting the scheduled DNA test.
“This is no longer just a family dispute—it could be a criminal case with serious legal consequences,” said a source close to the investigation.
Chris Rugari has not made a public statement but is reportedly “devastated” by the events. Meanwhile, Mutesi remains detained at Jinja Road Police Station as the investigation continues.
Authorities are reviewing her phone records, medical reports, and witness statements. They have also confirmed that posthumous DNA testing will go ahead using biological samples already collected from the child.
As police pursue leads, the case has sparked widespread concern—especially given the diplomatic ties involved—and raised broader questions about justice, family, and accountability in high-profile domestic disputes.
