Wife of Zimbabwe’s envoy further remanded over son’s murder

The Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s court has further remanded Jolin Kanoheri Rugari, the wife of Zimbabwe’s Honorary Consul in Uganda, Chris Rugari, on charges of murdering their two-year-old son, Rugari Nganwa.

Kanoheri, who was first remanded on April 11, reappeared in court on Tuesday alongside her 24-year-old housemaid, Robinah Nabanjja, for an update on the progress of investigations.

The pair appeared before grade one magistrate Frank Namanya, but proceedings stalled due to the absence of a state attorney. As a result, the court further remanded them until June 5.

According to the prosecution, the alleged murder occurred between April 1–2, 2025, at Mutungo Zone in Nakawa Division. Kanoheri is accused of killing her son with malice aforethought, while Nabanjja faces charges of being an accessory after the fact.

Investigators say Kanoheri initially claimed her son had accidentally fallen from a window on the upper floor of the family’s house. However, subsequent investigations allegedly contradicted her account.

During her initial court appearance, Kanoheri was not allowed to plead to the charge, as murder is a capital offence that can only be tried in the High court. Despite the charges, Kanoheri maintains her innocence. Her relatives also assert that she is being wrongly accused and hope the full truth will eventually emerge.