MUKONO, Uganda — Police are investigating the killing of Pamela Ruth Tumwebaze, the director of student affairs at Uganda Christian University, who was strangled in her home in Mukono District earlier this week.
Tumwebaze, 46, was attacked in the early hours of Feb. 11 at her residence in Gwafu West Village, Seeta Ward, Goma Division. Her death has shocked the academic community and renewed public concern over violent crimes targeting women.
Night of the attack
According to police and family members, Tumwebaze returned home around 10 p.m. on Feb. 10 with her two sons, Elijah, 14, and Noah, 10. They were accompanied by their housemaid, Sharif Lwantale, 20.
At about 2 a.m., Lwantale reported encountering an unknown man inside Tumwebaze’s bedroom. The suspect had switched on the lights and allegedly strangled Tumwebaze while she slept.
Police say the intruder was wearing Tumwebaze’s jeans dress and stockings over his own clothes, with a jacket and hood covering his head. He reportedly demanded house keys and claimed to be “one of the family children,” telling the maid that her “boss knows me.”
The maid alerted the children, who said they did not recognize the man. The suspect then left the compound through the main gate, carrying Tumwebaze’s laptop bag and mobile phone.
Family members found Tumwebaze unconscious, covered with a bed sheet. Blood stains on the bedding suggested a violent struggle.
She was rushed to Namirembe Church of Uganda Hospital in Mukono, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Preliminary findings indicate strangulation as the cause of death.
Investigation underway
Police preserved the crime scene and deployed sniffer dogs, which traced the suspect’s scent to Namilyango Road before losing track. Blood samples and other forensic evidence were collected.
The case is being handled under Mukono Police Division CRB 195/2026. A multiagency team including homicide detectives, Scene of Crime officers, forensic experts from Naguru and Kampala Metropolitan Police East CID is leading the investigation.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachel Kawala said police are committed to ensuring the suspect is arrested and prosecuted.
“We appeal to the public to share any information that may help in identifying the suspect,” she said.
Investigators are examining how the attacker gained entry into the compound, which is secured by a perimeter wall. Police are also exploring possible motives, including personal and domestic issues, though no direct link has been established.
Tumwebaze had been separated from her husband, lawyer Alexander Matsiko, for about 10 years and was reportedly in the process of formalizing their divorce.
According to Doreen Serujjonji, a close friend of the deceased, Tumwebaze had been facing personal challenges in recent months. “Pamela was going through a lot and was trying to put things together,”
A life of service
Tumwebaze had served Uganda Christian University for nearly two decades in various roles. As director of student affairs, she was responsible for student welfare, counseling and campus life programs.
In a statement, the university expressed deep sorrow over her death and asked the community to pray for her children and family.
Rev. Prof. John Kitayimbwa described the loss as painful for the institution.
Just hours before her death, Tumwebaze preached at a community worship service in Nkoyoyo Hall on campus. A video of her sermon has since circulated widely, with students and colleagues describing her as calm, strong and devoted to faith and service.
Rising public concern
Her killing comes amid growing public alarm over violent crimes in Uganda. In recent weeks, the country has recorded other high profile cases, including the killing of social media personality Diana Namulinde in Kampala and the murder of a Swiss Ugandan couple in Entebbe.
Human rights groups say gender based violence remains a serious concern. According to police crime reports in recent years, domestic violence and homicide cases involving women continue to be reported across the country.
Commentators have urged stronger enforcement of existing laws, better community policing and programs aimed at addressing unemployment, substance abuse and mental health challenges among young men.
As investigations continue, friends and colleagues remember Tumwebaze as a dedicated mother and mentor whose life was cut short in her own home.
