Taewaiko, who has reportedly confessed to the killing, appeared composed as he was led through the courthouse gates.
Under the sharp afternoon sun, the usually calm streets surrounding the Mukono Chief Magistrate’s Court fell silent as a convoy of armed vehicles rolled in. Officers in combat gear stepped out first, scanning rooftops and entry points. Behind them, surrounded by a wall of security, was the man at the center of a case that has shaken the nation.
Hussein Dak Taewaiko, the prime suspect in the murder of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Dean of Students, Pamela Tumwebaze, was escorted into court under heavy guard on Friday afternoon. The security detail included armed personnel from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT), alongside officers from the Uganda Police Force.
Eyewitnesses described a tightly controlled perimeter around the courthouse. Armed officers stood at every entrance, while plainclothed operatives blended into the small crowd that had gathered at a distance. Access to the premises was restricted, and proceedings were expected to unfold under strict supervision.
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Taewaiko, who has reportedly confessed to the killing, appeared composed as he was led through the courthouse gates. His arrest on February 14 in Budaka District followed days of intensified investigation. Authorities say he had allegedly been hiding at his mother’s residence. When officers apprehended him, they reportedly recovered items believed to belong to the deceased, including a smartphone.
The killing of Tumwebaze at her home at Ggwafu cell in Goma Division in Mukono Municipality sent shockwaves across the country. A respected academic administrator and mother of two, she was known for her firm but compassionate leadership at UCU. Students and colleagues remember her as a steady presence in campus life — a counselor to many, a disciplinarian when required, and a mentor always.
In the days following the arrest, police conducted a reconstruction of the crime scene, retracing the suspect’s alleged movements in a bid to establish motive and determine whether others may have been involved. Investigators have remained tight-lipped about details, fueling intense public interest and speculation.
Last week, Tumwebaze was laid to rest in Mbarara District. At her burial, family members called for justice, demanding a full account of the events that led to her death. Their grief was echoed by students and faculty, many of whom continue to struggle with the sudden loss of a leader they deeply respected.
As Taewaiko’s court proceedings begin, the nation watches closely. The heavy security presence at the Mukono Chief Magistrate’s Court reflects more than caution — it underscores the weight of a case that has gripped Uganda and the urgent demand for answers.
