The mysterious Sophia Koetsier disappearance continues to raise questions nearly a decade later. Recently, a Ugandan court heard new testimony in the ongoing case involving her vanishing at Murchison Falls National Park in 2015.
Stephen Nyadru, a tourism official, appeared as the first prosecution witness. He stated that Michael Kijjambu, the accused, introduced himself as a tour operator when he arrived at Kidepo Valley National Park in late October 2015. At that time, Nyadru worked as the Assistant Warden for Tourism. His role included managing guest accommodation, ensuring visitor safety, and enforcing park rules.
According to Nyadru, Kijjambu arrived with three foreign women, including Sophia Koetsier. They checked into Apoka Safari Camp and paid for two cottages. A receipt dated October 26, 2015, listed “Michael” as the payer. Nyadru confirmed in court that the man he met was indeed the accused.
Later that evening, the group played loud music at the camp reception, which violated park regulations. Sophia used a small radio to play the music. Nyadru asked them to stop and then returned to his home about 500 meters away. However, around 4 a.m., he heard loud banging noises outside. At that point, he asked Corporal Zackari Logwe, the staff member on duty, to investigate the disturbance.
Logwe found Sophia on an elevated platform. She was banging on interpretive panels and trying to set fire to dry grass near the kitchen. Alarmed by her behavior, Nyadru called Kijjambu. He advised him to cancel the trip and take Sophia for immediate medical care. Despite the warning, Kijjambu continued with the group on a short game drive within the park.
During that drive, Sophia attempted to jump out of the moving vehicle, which forced the group to return. Nyadru again warned Kijjambu and urged him to take her to Lacor Hospital in Gulu. Kijjambu agreed and claimed they would rest in Gulu before heading back to Kampala.
The next day, staff at Murchison Falls reported that Sophia Koetsier had gone missing. Nyadru called Kijjambu, who insisted they never entered the park. Nevertheless, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials confirmed that the group had been there. Unfortunately, Sophia has never been seen again.
The court also heard that Kijjambu lacked a valid license to operate as a tour guide. Nyadru emphasized that all tour operators must be licensed and that every park entry must be documented. Additionally, receipts for Kijjambu’s group showed a payment of Shs144,000 for lodging and taxes. These were issued by park clerk Augustine Oryeme.
According to the prosecution, Kijjambu’s negligence and lack of professional credentials played a key role in the Sophia Koetsier disappearance. He disregarded multiple warnings and failed to take appropriate action. The trial will resume on June 30, with more witnesses expected to testify before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayiizi.
Sophia Koetsier, a 21-year-old medical intern from the Netherlands, had just completed her degree in medicine. She had come to Uganda in August 2015 to volunteer at Lubaga Hospital. Her ambition was to specialize in tropical medicine and help underserved communities. Tragically, her journey ended under mysterious circumstances that remain unresolved.
The Sophia Koetsier disappearance remains one of the most puzzling missing person cases in Uganda. It has also drawn attention to serious flaws in tourism regulation. As a result, many experts now call for stricter controls over tour operations, especially in wildlife areas.
For example, the Uganda Tourism Board continues to urge companies to comply with ethical and legal standards. Moreover, UWA has begun improving park entry systems and updating emergency protocols to better protect tourists.
While the court process continues, the hope for answers in the Sophia Koetsier disappearance remains alive. Her story has become a sobering reminder of the importance of safety, accountability, and professional conduct in Uganda’s tourism sector.
