Deputy Vice Chancellor David Mugawe, while in tears, described Tumwebaze as someone who could manage the office at all levels.
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) community is still reeling from the shocking murder of the Dean of Students Affairs Pamela Tumwebaze. The 46-year-old was strangled by an unknown assailant in her home, leaving behind two young sons, Elijah and Noah.
At her funeral service, the hall was filled with anguish and pain as relatives, students, staff, and journalists wept uncontrollably. Her sons, Elijah and Noah, broke down in tears as they tried to speak, remembering their loving and prayerful mother.
Colleagues and friends described Tumwebaze as a tireless worker, a champion for young people, and a mother figure to many. “She lived and demonstrated a Christian life and did this with children,” said Deputy Vice Chancellor David Mugawe, overcome with emotion.
A Radiant Smile Fades: Remembering Pamela Tumwebaze, UCU’s Beloved Dean
Tumwebaze had dedicated 23 years to UCU, serving in various roles, including Dean of Students Affairs. She was known for her kindness, humility, and dedication to students. Police are investigating her murder, with multiple leads being pursued.
A crowd packed into Nkoyooyo Hall to capacity and spilled into the freshly paved compound at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) main campus in Mukono District yesterday, with anguish and pain from the previous day’s tragedy hanging in the air like a heavy cloud.
Relatives, students, staff, and even journalists found themselves weeping uncontrollably as the funeral service for Pamela Tumwebaze began at midday. The UCU community had never witnessed anything so heart-wrenching until Tuesday night’s shocking murder of the Director of Students Affairs in her home in Ggwafu Village in Seeta Ward, Goma Division, Mukono Municipality.
As the service commenced, her two sons, Elijah Matsiko, 13, and Noah Matsiko, 9, walked to the altar with relatives. Elijah was handed the microphone first but broke down in tears, unable to speak.
Relatives rushed to comfort him. When Noah tried, he too was overcome with grief. Their tears spread like wildfire, and soon the entire congregation was sent into grief.
When he recollected himself, Elijah said: “We shall miss mum. She has been loving to us and prayerful.” He was unable to continue. Ms Doreen Serunjogi, a close friend of Pamela, revealed that she had been going through challenges.
“Pam was going through a lot and was trying to put things together,” Ms Serunjogi said while sobbing.
She did not divulge what challenges Tumwebaze was facing. “She was strong when things weren’t going well for her, and also she remained humble despite having money,” Ms Serunjogi said.
She added that Tumwebaze had started evangelism in hostels, loved her job, cherished compliments, and was kind to all. “Pamela loved her family deeply and was part of a prayer group for Uganda and for the mothers of boys. The first thing to talk of was her children, she distanced herself from rumours, she never fought for power, and she loved God,” Ms Serunjogi said.
A champion of young people
Deputy Vice Chancellor David Mugawe, while in tears, described Tumwebaze as someone who could manage the office at all levels.
“She lived and demonstrated a Christian life and did this with children,” he said. Tumwebaze was known as a tireless worker, a champion for young people, and a mother figure to many. She would call parents late at night, never gave up on struggling students, and fought for issues affecting youth.
Vice Chancellor Prof Aaron Mushengyezi lamented: “We do not know the motive of the killer, I pity those who kill others, it is a curse because of the blood of people,” he said.
Prof Mushengyezi said Tumwebaze was “like a vice chancellor of this university, solving every problem.”
After the speeches, grief swept through the hall like a storm. Students asked why Pamela was killed, while staff whispered in disbelief.
“Bambi, she loved her children. We could see her with them all over the compound, the children bambi,” some staff said amid trembling voices. Relatives eventually led the children away, still wailing, leaving students stranded in sorrow. Police remain deployed at Tumwebaze’s home as investigations continue.
According to her maid, Sharifa Lwantale, Tumwebaze returned home around 10pm with her two sons. After supper, everyone retired to their rooms. At around 2am, she was strangled and left struggling. She was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital. Tumwebaze had been living with her children and two helpers in her sister’s house. Her sister, who resides in Ireland, had left years ago. It is reported that she separated from her husband about eight years ago and was pursuing a divorce.
Detectives are said to be following multiple leads to bring her killers to book, including whether she had issues at her workplace or in her personal relationships. Tumwebaze will be laid to rest on Sunday in Mbarara District.
Background
Pamela dedicated 23 years of service to the institution, wearing many hats with grace and diligence. She began as a teaching assistant (September 2003 to June 2004), then served as tutorial assistant (July 2004 to December 2008), part-time tutorial assistant (January 2013 to April 2016), administrative assistant (2016 to April 2017), and executive assistant (May 2017 to July 2022).
She also acted as coordinator of the Honours College in 2021, later becoming head of the Honours College (2021 to July 2023). Pamela served as executive officer (August 2022 to April 2024), acting director of student affairs (October 2023 to April 2024), and finally director of student affairs. She was, in every sense, a pillar of the institution.
She started at Uganda Martyrs’ Primary School (1984 to 1991), continued at Kinyasano Girls’ High School for O’Level (1992 to 1996), then Kyeizooba Girls’ High School for A’Level (1998 to 1999), and finally Uganda Christian University (UCU), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education (2000 to 2003).
She later pursued a Master of Arts in Literature (2007), a Master’s in Strategic Communication (2025), and a PhD in Journalism, Media, and Communication.
