Mukono, Uganda: Security operatives on Wednesday returned to Gwafu Village in Goma Division with Hussein Dak Taewaiko, the prime suspect in the murder of Uganda Christian University’s Director of Students Affairs, Ms Pamela Tumwebaze, as he retraced his alleged steps and narrated how the killing was executed.
The joint team, comprising officers from the police, the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) and the UPDF, escorted Taewaiko to the scene where Tumwebaze was strangled last week. The reconstruction exercise began at Seeta Centre near the Seeta Junior School signpost, where Taewaiko reportedly started his journey to the deceased’s residence.
Transported in a police Omni-bus, commonly referred to as a “drone,” the handcuffed Taewaiko appeared calm and composed as he narrated how he moved from Seeta to Gwafu Village, roughly 100 metres from Tumwebaze’s home.
Upon arrival, he reportedly demonstrated how he knocked at the gate several times without response before moving to the left side of the perimeter wall near a mango tree and jumping over into the compound.
Media personnel were later barred from accessing the inner compound as officers continued the reconstruction inside the house for over an hour.
Alleged Confession
According to Local Council Chairman Waswa, who accompanied the security team, the suspect admitted to killing the university administrator.
The chairman quoted Taewaiko as saying he encountered the family dog, which did not bark because it was familiar with him. He allegedly called the dog “Tiger” before moving toward the back of the house.
“He said he removed his slippers to avoid making noise, passed by the water tank, saw the maid in the kitchen, and proceeded directly to the bedroom,” Waswa recounted.
The suspect allegedly told local leaders he hid in the bedroom until Tumwebaze entered to sleep.
When she reportedly found him inside, she asked what he was doing there. Taewaiko allegedly claimed he had gone to demand Shs800,000 in arrears for work he had previously done at her home, and it is from here that the motive to finish her off came about.
Tumwebaze was later found strangled in her bedroom, an incident that shocked the community around Uganda Christian University and sparked widespread outrage.
Community Reaction
Residents gathered at a distance as the reconstruction unfolded, expressing relief over the suspect’s arrest. “Recently, that boy has been living at a bar/guest house at Seeta,” said Sam Mugabi, a resident.
Security officers concluded the exercise at around 4 pm and left without addressing the media.
Tumwebaze, survived by two sons, was reportedly planning to formalize her marriage before her life was cut short.
Police investigations remain ongoing as the suspect awaits further court proceedings.
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