According to prosecution, the robbery was carried out using deadly weapons and that the violence inflicted during the attack resulted in Tumwebaze’s death.
A quiet courtroom in Mukono fell still on Friday as a 21-year-old man stood in the dock, accused of ending the life of a woman many described as the heart of student welfare at Uganda Christian University (UCU).
Hussein Dak Taewaiko, also known as Sam, appeared before the Mukono Chief Magistrate’s Court and was charged with two capital offences in connection with the death of Pamela Ruth Tumwebaze, the university’s Director of Student Affairs.
Prosecution led by Chief State Attorney, Emily Ninsima alleged that on February 11, 2026, Taewaiko murdered Tumwebaze at her residence located at Ggwafu West in Seeta Ward, Goma Division in Mukono Municipality.
Father Accused of Killing 18yr-Student Found Having Love With His 14yr-Daughter Arrested
The state further claims that he robbed her of a laptop bag, a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with a SIM card, a phone charger, a coffee-brown document holder and multiple currencies — including sh200,000, 900 Ghanaian shillings, as well as Kenyan and Botswana currency.
According to prosecution, the robbery was carried out using deadly weapons and that the violence inflicted during the attack resulted in Tumwebaze’s death.
The charges, murder contrary to Sections 172 and 177 of the Penal Code Act and aggravated robbery contrary to Sections 266 and 267(2) — were read in open court. Appearing before Mukono Grade 1 Magistrate, William Muwonge, Taewaiko was denied to enter a plea, as capital offences can only be tried by the High Court.
Magistrate Muwonge ordered that the accused be remanded to Luzira Prison until March 19, 2026, when he will re-appear for mention of his case.
Prosecution told court that investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
A Life of Service
Tumwebaze’s death sent shockwaves through academic, religious and civil society circles, particularly at UCU’s Main Campus in Mukono, where she served as the Dean of Student Affairs.
Born on September 30, 1979, Tumwebaze dedicated 23 years of service to Uganda Christian University. She began her career at the institution in September 2003 as a Teaching Assistant. Over the years, she steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant, Head of the Honours College and Executive Officer. In May 2024, she was appointed Dean of Student Affairs.
In that role, she oversaw student welfare, counseling, discipline and campus life. Colleagues and students widely recognised her hands-on approach, particularly in supporting those facing academic, financial and personal challenges.
Beyond administration, she was an accomplished scholar. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and two master’s degrees — in Literature and Strategic Communication — from Uganda Christian University. At the time of her death, she was pursuing a PhD in Journalism, Media and Communication.
Tumwebaze completed her primary education at Uganda Martyrs’ Primary School and later attended Kinyasano Girls’ High School and Kyeizooba Girls’ High School for her secondary studies.
She survived by her two children, Noah Matsiko and Elijah Matsiko.
On February 15, 2026, she was laid to rest in Keigoshora, Rubaya, Kashari, as family, friends, colleagues and students gathered to pay their final respects.