KAMPALA — A woman accused of murdering 22-year-old TikToker Jovia Namuwulya, popularly known as Jovia1235, has been remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing before the City Hall Magistrates Court in Kampala.
Patricia Rose Turindwamukama is accused of killing Namuwulya on August 20, 2026, at her rented room in Mukalazi Zone, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division.
Prosecution alleges that Turindwamukama, together with another person who is still at large, caused Namuwulya’s death with malice aforethought.
The accused is further alleged to have robbed Namuwulya of an iPhone 12 Pro Max valued at Shs2 million, a cream-white bag worth Shs150,000, three pieces of clothing valued at Shs200,000 and her passport.
According to the prosecution, a knife was allegedly used during the robbery and subsequent killing.
Turindwamukama did not take a plea because murder is a capital offence that can only be tried by the High Court.
Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Nicholas Aisu ordered that Turindwamukama be remanded to Luzira Prison until September 22, 2026, when she is expected to return to court for mention.
Namuwulya, who worked as a waitress and had built a following on TikTok under the name Jovia1235, was reportedly discovered dead after relatives became concerned when she failed to respond to repeated phone calls.
The caretaker was reportedly alerted and checked the room, where bloodstains were allegedly seen through a window. Police were subsequently called and found Namuwulya lying in a pool of blood.
Investigators later traced Turindwamukama to Mbuya, where she was reportedly staying with her boyfriend. Prosecutors told court that the boyfriend alerted authorities, leading to her arrest.
Police further allege that Turindwamukama was preparing to travel to Iraq and had applied for an Iraqi visa on August 21, a day after Namuwulya’s alleged killing.
The case will return to court on September 22 for mention as investigations continue.
Turindwamukama remains presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty by a competent court of law.
