Uganda: Diplomat’s Wife Charged in Toddler’s Death

Diplomat’s Wife Arrested in Uganda for Alleged Murder

Ugandan authorities have arrested Joline Dusabe Mutesi, the wife of Zimbabwean diplomat Chris Rugari, in connection with the death of their two-year-old son, Nganwa Rugari, amid ongoing divorce and paternity disputes.

Circumstances Surrounding the Child’s Death

On the evening of April 1, 2025, Mutesi reported that Nganwa had fallen from the first floor of their home in Mutungo Zone 8, Kampala. She took him to Kitintale Hospital, where he was examined and discharged with a recommendation for a CT scan. However, she returned to the hospital around 5 a.m. the next day, claiming the child’s condition had worsened. Nganwa was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Initial observations revealed no visible physical injuries on the child’s body. Further investigation by the police uncovered inconsistencies in Mutesi’s account. Notably, the window from which the child allegedly fell was found to be permanently closed.

Paternity Dispute and Legal Proceedings

The incident occurred amid a contentious divorce between Mutesi and Rugari, Zimbabwe’s Consular General in Uganda. Rugari had previously conducted DNA tests on three of their five children, revealing that two were not biologically his. Court-ordered DNA tests for all five children were scheduled, with Nganwa and his 12-month-old sister set to be tested on the day of Nganwa’s death.

Following the child’s death, Mutesi reportedly attempted to expedite burial arrangements, urging relatives to move the body to a funeral home. However, Rugari’s family insisted on involving the police before any burial proceedings.

A postmortem examination indicated that Nganwa died due to a lack of oxygen in the lungs and had an empty stomach, suggesting possible starvation. Subsequent DNA testing confirmed that Nganwa was indeed Rugari’s biological son.

Legal Action

Mutesi has been charged with the murder of her son and is currently in custody at Jinja Road Police Station in Kampala. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

For more information, you can watch the following news report: