When did Mezo Noir Kampala close?
Mezo Noir Kampala, a high-end nightlife and fine dining establishment in Kololo, has abruptly shut down amid controversy following the tragic death of a patron. The closure, announced on March 20, 2025, has raised serious questions, with reports emerging that the club’s owner is now in police custody. However, while many people have linked the death to an alleged drink-spiking incident at the venue, others caution against jumping to conclusions.
What Led to the closure of Mezo Noir Kampala?
In an official statement posted on social media, Mezo Noir’s management cited “unforeseen circumstances” as the reason for its immediate closure, promising to announce a reopening date in the future. However, the timing of the closure coincided with reports that a woman had collapsed and later passed away after allegedly consuming a drink at the venue.
While the exact circumstances remain unclear, speculation quickly spread online, with many assuming that the incident involved drink spiking. Others, however, have pointed out that without a conclusive medical report or law enforcement statement, it is premature to blame the club for the woman’s death.
Is the Owner of Mezo Noir Under Arrest?
Multiple sources on social media claim that Joseph Kalisa, the owner and managing director of Mezo Noir, has been taken into police custody. However, authorities have not yet released an official statement confirming his arrest or providing details about the investigation.
Kalisa, a well-known figure in Kampala’s hospitality and entertainment industry, has been at the helm of Mezo Noir’s operations since its establishment. His alleged detention has only intensified public curiosity about the case, as many wonder whether the club’s closure is linked to legal trouble.
Who Was the Victim, and What Happened to Her?
The identity of the deceased woman has not been officially disclosed. Reports suggest that she was attending an event at Mezo Noir before she collapsed under unclear circumstances. Some accounts allege that she may have been a victim of drink spiking, a serious crime where substances such as sedatives or drugs are secretly added to a person’s drink, often leading to dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness, or worse.
However, until medical examiners and authorities release an official cause of death, any claims linking her passing to drink spiking at Mezo Noir remain speculative. Some people have urged the public to avoid making unfounded accusations until verified facts emerge.
Does this only happen at Mezo Noir Kampala or is drink spiking a thing?
Whether or not drink spiking was involved in this case, the incident has reignited concerns about safety in Kampala’s nightlife scene. Drink spiking is a major issue in clubs and bars worldwide, often carried out with the intent to incapacitate victims. Common symptoms of drink spiking include dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory loss, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
It is crucial for clubgoers to remain vigilant, never leave drinks unattended, and seek immediate help if they suspect their drink has been tampered with. Venues, on their part, must enforce strict security measures to prevent such incidents.
Are there hopes for Mezo Noir Kampala?
At this stage, law enforcement has yet to issue an official report on the woman’s death, the alleged drink-spiking claims, or the status of Mezo Noir’s owner. Investigations are expected to shed more light on what truly happened and determine if any criminal activity was involved.
Meanwhile, Kampala’s nightlife community remains divided—some demand justice and accountability, while others urge caution, emphasizing that it is unfair to blame Mezo Noir without clear evidence.
The coming days are likely to bring more developments, and the truth behind Mezo Noir’s closure will eventually come to light. Until then, the city waits for official answers.
Police Investigate Suspected Poisoning at Mezo Noir
Detectives at Kira Road Police Station are investigating a possible poisoning incident that took place at Mezo Noir, a well-known bar in Kampala. According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango, a female patron, identified only as Martha, collapsed inside the manager’s office during the early hours of Thursday, March 20, 2025. She was later admitted to the intensive care unit at Kampala Hospital, where doctors placed her on life support. Reports indicate that while her brain has stopped functioning, other organs remain active, and she has not yet been declared dead.
Bar Cashier and His Brother in Police Custody
Authorities revealed that Martha had been drinking with Edward Mugabo, a cashier at the bar, from 2 a.m. until 3:30 a.m. before they moved to the manager’s office, an area without CCTV cameras. Shortly after, she reportedly collapsed, prompting Mugabo to alert his brother, Joseph Kalenzi. The two rushed her to Kampala Hospital, where medical professionals have been closely monitoring her condition. As part of the ongoing investigation, the police have detained both Mugabo and Kalenzi at Kira Road Police Station to assist with inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Mezo Noir Temporarily Closes
Following the unsettling development, the management of Mezo Noir has decided to temporarily shut down operations. In a statement released on Friday, they cited “unforeseen circumstances” as the reason for the closure and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused. They assured the public that an official announcement regarding the reopening date would be made in due course. Meanwhile, police investigations continue as authorities work to establish the exact cause of Martha’s condition and determine whether foul play was involved.
