Tumwebaze, 46, was widely respected at UCU for her dedication to student welfare, discipline, and campus life.
The Mukono Chief Magistrate’s Court has further remanded a 21-year-old suspect, Dak Hussein Taewaiko, in connection with the brutal murder of Pamela Ruth Tumwebaze, the former Director of Student Affairs at Uganda Christian University (UCU).
Grade One Magistrate, Praise Ahurira on Thursday adjourned the case to April 8, 2026, for further mention as investigations into the high-profile killing continue. Taewaiko was sent back to Luzira Government Prison.
Taewaiko is facing charges of murder and aggravated robbery stemming from the February 11, 2026, incident that shocked both the academic community and residents of Mukono District.
State prosecutor Josephine Nanyonga informed the court that inquiries are still ongoing, including forensic analysis and the recording of witness statements. She requested more time to allow police to conclude investigations, a request the magistrate granted.
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Unlike his previous court appearance on February 20, when he was escorted under heavy security by the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT), Taewaiko was this time brought to court by ordinary prison warders. He briefly waited on the court veranda before the charges were read to him in the magistrate’s chambers.
The proceedings were attended by members of Tumwebaze’s family, who sat quietly in court, visibly grieving as the case progresses.
According to police accounts, the murder occurred in the early hours of February 11 at Tumwebaze’s residence in Gwafu West Cell, Seeta Ward, Goma Division in Mukono District. An intruder reportedly broke into her home while she was asleep, overpowered her, and strangled her.
The attacker is said to have later confronted the house helper, demanding keys and valuables before fleeing the scene dressed in some of the victim’s clothing. Items including a mobile phone and a laptop bag were reportedly stolen.
Tumwebaze was rushed to Mukono Namirembe Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Taewaiko, who had previously worked at the deceased’s home as a gardener, was arrested on February 14 in Buddaka, where he had allegedly gone into hiding. Police said some of the victim’s belongings were recovered from him.
On February 18, he was taken back to the crime scene for a locus visit, where he reportedly reenacted the events for investigators under tight security involving police and military personnel.
Despite the arrest, the deceased’s family has raised concerns, expressing belief that other individuals may have been involved in the crime. They have called for thorough and transparent investigations to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.
Tumwebaze, 46, was widely respected at UCU for her dedication to student welfare, discipline, and campus life.
As the case returns to court next month, the Mukono community and the university continue to mourn her death, while closely following the pursuit of justice in one of the district’s most disturbing recent crimes.
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