The late Pamela Tumwebaze
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Investigators are strongly suspecting that the killer of the former Dean of Students at the Uganda Christian University (UCU), Pamela Tumwebaze, knew the assailant in person.
Tumwebaze, 46, was attacked in the early hours of February 11, 2026, at her residence in Seeta, Mukono District. She was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Her death has left the university community in shock, mourning and devastation.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that at the time of her death, the deceased was staying with her 2 children,: Elijah, 13 and Noah, 10, plus a maid who had been hired just a week ago.
According to Tumwebaze’s maid, while she was in her ben, she heard someone tiptoeing inside the house, and she had first thought that they were rats.
She further noted that minutes later the assailant reportedly entered her bed room, switched on the light and asked her to provide him with the keys to open the main door.
She said that she hesitated to hand over the keys to him before he boldly told her that he was familiar with the boss and that the boss was aware that he was around.
“He told me that if I wanted to prove, I should go and enquire from her,” she said.
The other clue that the assailant was familiar with Tumwebaze was that the family dog, which is known to be fierce to strangers did not back at the assailant.
The maid disclosed that they did not hear their dog bark when the assailant exited their premises, yet it usually does so when it sees a stranger.
According to Police, Tumwebaze is suspected to have been killed by a lone assillant, who strangled her to death.
Investigators are currently working around the clockto ascertain circumstances under which Tumwebaze’s former 20-year old houseboy, identified as Sharif Lwantale separated from him, just a week before she met her death.
Sunday burial ceremony
UCU has since released the official burial programme for the late Pamela Tumwebaze, the Director of Students Affairs, as preparations intensify to accord her a dignified send-off.
According to a statement issued by the university, a series of worship services, vigils and funeral ceremonies have been organised to honour Tumwebaze’s life and legacy. “A series of services and vigils have been organised to honour her life and legacy,” the university said.
The programme begins with a community worship service today, Thursday, February 12, at 12:00 noon in Nkoyoyo Hall at the UCU Main Campus, before the body is transported to Mbarara.
This will be followed by a vigil at Emperor Hotel in Naalya at 6:00pm, where mourners will gather to pay their last respects.
A vigil will later be held in Nkokonjeru as the university community joins family and friends in southwestern Uganda.
Further services are scheduled for Saturday, February 14, including a funeral service at Nkokonjeru Church of Uganda in Mbarara, after which the body will proceed to Rubaya, Kashari, for a night vigil. Tumwebaze will be laid to rest on Sunday, February 15, at 12:00 noon at her family ancestral home in Keigoshora, Rubaya, Kashari in Mbarara District.
Born on September 30, 1979, Tumwebaze dedicated more than two decades of service to UCU, rising through various academic and administrative roles to become Director of Students Affairs.
She was widely respected for her unwavering commitment to student welfare, mentorship and moral leadership.
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