KAMPALA — A woman accused of murdering 22-year-old TikToker Jovia Namuwulya, popularly known as Jovia1235, has been remanded to Luzira Prison as investigations into her death continue.
Patricia Rose Turindwamukama appeared before the City Hall Magistrates Court on Monday and was charged with murder and robbery.
Prosecution alleges that Turindwamukama, together with another suspect who is still at large, murdered Namuwulya on August 20 at Mukalazi Zone, Bukoto I Parish in Nakawa Division.
The suspects are accused of acting with malice aforethought before allegedly taking Namuwulya’s personal belongings, including 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.
A knife was allegedly used in the attack.
Turindwamukama was not allowed to enter a plea to the murder charge because it is a capital offence that can only be tried by the High Court.
Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Nicholas Aisu remanded her to Luzira Prison until September 22, 2026, when she is expected to return to court for mention of the case.
Namuwulya, who worked as a waitress and had built a following on TikTok under the name Jovia1235, was reportedly found dead in her rented room after relatives became concerned when she stopped answering their calls.
According to the prosecution, the caretaker went to check on her and noticed bloodstains through a window. Police were subsequently alerted and found Namuwulya lying in a pool of blood.
Namuwulya had reportedly shared the room with Turindwamukama for about seven months.
Police later traced Turindwamukama to Mbuya, where she was allegedly hiding with her boyfriend. The boyfriend is said to have alerted authorities, leading to her arrest.
Prosecution further alleges that Turindwamukama had been preparing to travel to Iraq and applied for an Iraqi visa on August 21, a day after Namuwulya was allegedly killed.
The allegations against Turindwamukama have not been tested in court. She is presumed innocent until proven guilty.