Police Hunt for Roommate After TikToker Jovia Namuwulya Found Dead in Bukoto

A massive police manhunt is underway in Kampala for a woman identified as Rose Turindamukama following the gruesome discovery of her roommate’s body. The deceased, 22-year-old Jovia Namuwulya, a popular TikToker and local waitress, was found dead in a pool of blood inside their rented room in Bukoto, Nakawa Division.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala, the suspected murder occurred between midnight and 6:00 a.m. on August 20, 2026, in Mukalazi Zone, Bukoto I Parish.

The alarm was first raised by Namuwulya’s family after she abruptly stopped answering her phone. Concerned for her safety, relatives contacted the property’s caretaker.

“The caretaker and Namuwulya’s sister went to the room but found it locked,” SP Kawala explained on Monday. “Looking through the window, they observed blood stains inside the room. They subsequently forced access and found Jovia lying in a pool of blood, deceased.”

Police revealed that Namuwulya who posted on TikTok under the handle @Jovia1235 had been renting the room for about seven months. Approximately three months ago, she was joined by Turindamukama, who initially visited and subsequently moved in as her roommate.

Following the discovery of the body, Turindamukama was nowhere to be found, immediately making her a person of interest.

“Her friend, Turindamukama Rose, couldn’t be found and is currently being sought in connection with the incident,” Kawala stated, noting that detectives are actively pursuing leads to apprehend her. Namuwulya’s body has since been conveyed to the City Mortuary in Mulago for a comprehensive postmortem examination.

Social Media Speculation and the “Tinder” Rumor

The chilling case has ignited a firestorm of speculation across Ugandan social media platforms. The most prominent rumor, allegedly originating from messages sent by Turindamukama, claims that the two women met a man named “Muhammad” on the dating app Tinder.

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According to this unverified online narrative, Namuwulya allegedly stole money from the man, who then tracked the women down to their Bukoto residence. The rumor claims that the man killed Namuwulya during a violent confrontation, prompting a terrified Turindamukama to flee the scene and potentially the country. Other netizens have speculated that the killer used Namuwulya’s phone to send deceptive messages after her death to cover their tracks.

However, the Uganda Police Force has strictly refused to validate these circulating theories.

Police emphasized that they have not confirmed the existence of “Muhammad,” the alleged Tinder connection, or rumors that Turindamukama has fled Uganda. Investigators are urging the public to allow the official inquiry to proceed without interference from internet gossip.

“Anyone with information that may lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect is urged to report to the nearest police station,” SP Kawala appealed.