The recent death of a young woman named Martha, at the exclusive high-end establishment Mezonior, located on Plot 8 Somero Stretch in Kololo, Kampala, has raised alarming questions about the emerging business of fake alcohol and illicit drugs within the city. Martha, the daughter of Seith Murari, a prominent businessman based in Mbarara affiliated with Round Off International Ltd Graphics and the National Sports and Games Coordinator for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), was reportedly at Mezonior when tragedy struck. While the actual cause of death remains to be confirmed by pathologists, rumors point to suspicious substances served at the venue.
Pinpointing the true ownership of Mezonior has proven to be as elusive as understanding the events leading to Martha’s tragic passing. Allegations swirl around multiple figures claiming control of the establishment. Some say it belongs to Grace Kellis, while others insist it’s Joseph Kaliisa or his sister Anne, who is rumored to be calling the shots. One anonymous source suggests that none of these individuals are the true owners, and that they are merely conduits for a powerful “godfather” behind the scenes.
Despite the confusion over ownership, Mezonior has managed to maintain its status as an exclusive venue, catering to a wealthy and influential clientele, particularly the children of Uganda’s political elite. These “jobless” young adults, whose main claim to fame is their powerful lineage, often flaunt wealth by spending lavishly. They are known for driving expensive cars, indulging in costly drinks such as Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Whisky (priced at over 8 million UGX), and racking up bills that can exceed 15 million UGX in a single night.
However, the dark secret behind these luxury drinks is that many of them are fake. These counterfeit liquors are sourced from an illicit distributor, an Asian-operated business located along Nkrumah Road and in Kampala’s industrial area.
A review on Mezonior’s official social media page highlights a disturbing incident. A client named Peter K. warned others about the fake alcohol being sold at the venue: “The Jack Daniel’s Honey I drank almost killed me. I always drink Jack, but the moment I took a sip, it felt weird. Please stop selling fake alcohol.”
This review, among others, suggests that Mezonior may not be alone in this practice. Fake alcohol is becoming a common problem in high-end venues across Kampala, where counterfeit spirits are passed off as premium brands. For unsuspecting patrons, the consequences can be deadly.
Beyond the fake alcohol, there is an even darker side to Kampala’s elite nightlife scene. Stories circulate about the “high-end” themed night hosts, often social media influencers or figures associated with modeling agencies, who are allegedly involved in trafficking illicit drugs. These hosts are said to have connections with powerful figures who bring in a steady stream of clients, but their true business is often far more sinister.
Drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine are reportedly sold at these venues, while “happy cakes” or cookies laced with these substances are frequently on the menu. In some cases, even cocktails are spiked with drugs, sending unsuspecting revelers into altered states or, in some tragic instances, to their graves.
The issue is compounded by the presence of mobile cocktail experts, who are known for mixing potent drinks that can send patrons into a euphoric state or cause serious harm. For example, teas such as herbal tea, “Bogota,” or “Dawa” are often laced with drugs and sold for around 25,000 UGX per serving.
While many of the city’s elite venues remain frequented by government officials and Uganda’s rich and powerful, they are increasingly becoming hotspots for dangerous activities—fake alcohol, illicit drugs, and reckless party culture. The mysterious death at Mezonior is a grim reminder of the dark side of this glamorous nightlife scene. If these activities continue unchecked, it’s only a matter of time before more lives are lost, and the full extent of Kampala’s dangerous underworld is exposed.
