Mukono, Uganda: Shock and grief engulfed Uganda Christian University (UCU) on Wednesday morning as the news of the brutal killing of its Dean of Students, Pamela Tumwebaze, who was attacked at her home in Gwafu Village, Goma Division, Mukono District, made rounds allover the university campus.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said investigators are probing how the attacker accessed the residence, noting that there were no visible signs of forced entry.
According to police reports, the senior university administrator was murdered by unknown assailants during the night. Preliminary findings indicate that at around 2:00 a.m., the houseboy reportedly saw an unknown man inside Tumwebaze’s bedroom wearing her jeans and stockings. The suspect allegedly fled the scene carrying a laptop bag belonging to the deceased.
“The houseboy and the children checked on their mother and found her unresponsive in her bed. She was rushed to Namirembe Church of Uganda Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival,” Kawala said.
By midday Wednesday, police had cordoned off the home as forensic teams examined the scene and launched a manhunt for the suspect. The motive for the killing remains unclear.
Tumwebaze’s last hours
Tumwebaze, according to her students and fellow university staff, was last seen alive on Tuesday afternoon while preaching during UCU’s bi-weekly Community Worship service at the Anglican Church of Uganda-founded institution.
The one-hour service marked the opening session of the university’s 2026 Easter Semester. Her sermon focused on the theme, “Your role in building healthy relationships.”
At the start of what would become her final public message, she shared that she was a mother of two sons aged 13 and nine.
Students and staff affectionately referred to her as “the coolest DOSA,” praising her approachable leadership style and mentorship.
University Mourns
Confirmed the unfortunate demise of one of their own, UCU said in a brief statement: “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Ms Tumwebaze. She went to be with the LORD in the early hours of Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Please uphold her children, immediate family, and loved ones in prayer.”
UCU’s alumni body described her as “a passionate educator and preacher of the word of God,” while social media posts from students and staff remembered her as a beacon of kindness, compassion and strength.
“She was the youngest Dean of Students, touching countless lives at UCU and beyond,” one tribute read.
Manhunt on
SP Kawala, in a Wednesday police statement, said specialized task teams have been deployed to track down the suspect. “The Uganda Police Force remains fully committed to ensuring that the perpetrator is apprehended and brought to justice,” she emphasized.
The killing has heightened security concerns in Mukono and surrounding areas, particularly following recent violent incidents reported in parts of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
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