Who Killed Police Commander Kirumira? Inside One Of The Top Unresolved Police Officer Murder Cases

Over the years, the Uganda Police Force (UPF) has mourned the loss of several high-ranking officers. Among the most notable was ASP Muhammad Kirumira, the former District Police Commander for Buyende.

Kirumira was widely known for his fearless stance against corruption and human rights violations within the force. His vocal criticism made him a prominent figure—and, perhaps, a target. Tragically, he was killed before his vision for a reformed police force could be realized.

On the evening of September 8, 2018, Kirumira was shot dead alongside his female companion, Resty Nalinya Mbabazi, between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM in Bulenga, Wakiso District.

Photo: The crime scene in Bulenga.

His assassination shocked the nation, fueling public outcry and raising renewed concerns about the country’s internal security—especially during a period marked by the deaths of several senior officials.

Following the incident, police arrested two suspects. In October 2018, Abubakar Kalungi, a carpenter from Mirimu Zone in Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District, was taken into custody. Later, in February 2019, Hamza Mwebe, a resident of Kigobe Zone in Namungoona, Rubaga Division, was also arrested and charged.

However, six months after their arrests, state prosecutors had not completed investigations necessary to commit the suspects to the High Court for trial. To date, Kirumira’s murder remains unresolved—another cold case in a growing list of unsolved killings