Kampala Metropolitan Police have launched investigations into the death of Jonah Moses Kakaire, 28, a former chef at Temple Mount Church, led by Pastor Samuel Kakande, following concerns raised by his family about the circumstances surrounding his death.
The church is located in Kubiri, Mulago, within Kampala City. Police received information about Kakaire’s death on October 1, 2026, from his brother, prompting further inquiries after the family questioned how the incident occurred.
Following his death, Kakaire’s body was transported by Rhino Funeral Services to his ancestral home in Waina, Mayuge District, where he was laid to rest on October 4.
However, on October 5, his brother returned to Kampala and formally requested police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. In response, a General Enquiry File was opened at Wandegeya Police Station to facilitate investigations.
Police have since recorded statements from several people, including members of Kakaire’s family, church members and employees of Rhino Funeral Services, as detectives work to establish what happened.
Investigators have also obtained and reviewed CCTV footage from the church. Scene of Crime Officers examined and processed the relevant area as part of efforts to gather evidence and reconstruct the events surrounding the incident. Several individuals have also been questioned.
Preliminary findings suggest that Kakaire may have slipped and fallen into the lift shaft as the elevator was moving upwards. The lift is then alleged to have descended or returned and struck his head. However, police have emphasised that the circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been fully established.
Investigators are continuing to examine the available evidence to determine the exact sequence of events and establish the cause of death. No final conclusion has been reached regarding the incident.
The inquiry has also raised questions about the handling of the case after Kakaire’s death. Preliminary investigations indicate that his body was taken to Mulago City Mortuary without a corresponding police case having been registered at the time.
Detectives are now seeking to establish what happened immediately before and after the alleged fall, identify the people who were present and determine how the incident was reported and handled following his death.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police intend to obtain the postmortem report, identify and interview additional witnesses, and compile the findings for submission to the relevant authorities for legal advice.
Police investigations remain ongoing as detectives seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death of the 28-year-old former church employee.
