Norwegian’s Death in Jinja Was Murder; Girlfriend, Friend Arrested

Mar 24, 2025 - 09:23
Mar 24, 2025 - 09:23
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Norwegian’s Death in Jinja Was Murder; Girlfriend, Friend Arrested
Courtesy Photo

Jinja City – What was initially reported as suicide has now been confirmed as a case of murder by strangulation, following an investigation into the death of a Norwegian national in Jinja City. 

Police have arrested two suspects, including the victim’s girlfriend and a close friend, while a third suspect remains on the run.

The deceased, Robert Hausvik, commonly known as "Katongole" among his friends and the local community, was found dead on Monday, March 10. 

His girlfriend, Sheillah Nabatanzi, and their friend, Ali Kigozi, took his lifeless body to Mivule Crescent Medical Center along Radio Road in Jinja City, claiming he had committed suicide. However, upon examination, the medical team found he was already dead and promptly alerted the police.

Following the report, the Regional Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) Officer, SSP Dr. Monday Johnson Agaba, assigned senior homicide detectives to the case.

Upon arrival at the medical facility, the detectives found the deceased's body covered with green bedsheets, with an injury noted on his right toes. 

His remains were transferred to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital mortuary and later to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a thorough postmortem examination.

The initial statement from the two suspects indicated that Hausvik had taken his own life in the early hours of March 10 at his rented residence in Walukuba West, Block C, Maternity Cell, Jinja Southern Division. They claimed that Ali Kigozi had discovered him hanging in the sitting room using his trousers. They then transported his body to the medical facility for supposed emergency treatment.

However, further investigations raised doubts about their account. 

According to SP James Mubi spokesperson Kiira police region, police visited both the residence in Walukuba West and the medical facility to gather evidence and statements. 

Preliminary findings suggested that the "suicide" was highly questionable, prompting a more detailed forensic investigation.

A team of seasoned forensic pathologists, including AIGP Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, the Uganda Police Director of Medical Services, and Dr. Moses Ambayo, conducted a postmortem at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

Their findings confirmed that Hausvik had died as a result of strangulation, ruling out suicide and establishing murder as the cause of death.

Based on the forensic evidence, the Resident Senior State Attorney (RSSA) sanctioned the case for prosecution. On Friday, March 21, Nabatanzi and Kigozi appeared before Jinja Magistrate’s Court and were remanded to Kirinya Prisons. They are scheduled to return to court for mention on March 31.

While the exact motive for the killing remains under investigation, authorities are determined to uncover the reasons behind the crime. 

Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for a third suspect, Zam Zam, the girlfriend of Ali Kigozi, who fled following the incident. The police are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding her whereabouts.

SSP Dr. Monday Johnson Agaba has now cautioned the public against staging homicides as suicides, emphasizing that forensic science provides clear distinctions between the two. 

He reiterated that those who attempt to disguise murder as self-harm will be exposed and face the full extent of the law.

This shocking revelation has left the Jinja community in disbelief, as residents who knew Hausvik—nicknamed "Katongole"—struggle to come to terms with the tragic event. With investigations ongoing, justice for the Norwegian national remains a priority.

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