Uganda is still in shock following the brutal murder of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Dean of Students, Ms Pamela Tumwebaze, whose life was cut short in a chilling and carefully executed attack.
New details from police investigations have painted a disturbing picture of what happened on the night she was killed.
The murder took place at Tumwebaze’s home in Gwafu Village, Goma Division, Mukono District.
By Thursday morning, the quiet neighbourhood had turned into a heavy security zone, with armed police officers sealing off the house as forensic teams searched for clues.
According to police, Tumwebaze was killed in the early hours of Tuesday night.
Preliminary findings indicate that she was strangled by suspected criminals who had entered her residence under mysterious circumstances.
At the center of the investigation is the testimony of the housemaid, 20-year-old Sharifa Lwatale, whose account has shocked both investigators and the public.
Her story suggests that the attacker appeared confident, calm, and possibly familiar with the victim.
Lwatale told police that at around 2am, she heard footsteps moving inside the house. Thinking it was her boss, she did not immediately raise alarm. Moments later, the unknown man switched on the lights, including those in her room.
When the maid asked who he was, the man allegedly responded in a chilling manner: “Your boss knows me.” He even encouraged her to go and confirm from Tumwebaze herself, a statement that suggested familiarity and confidence.
The suspect then reportedly escorted the maid to Tumwebaze’s bedroom. There, Tumwebaze was found lying on the bed, fully covered. The attacker uncovered her and asked the maid if she had clearly seen her boss.
Overcome with fear and confusion, the maid complied when the man asked for the keys to the main gate. At that point, she reportedly believed resistance could cost her life.
In a shocking twist, police revealed that the suspect later wore one of Tumwebaze’s dresses, added his jacket, covered his head with a hood, and calmly walked out through the main gate.
He escaped without force, using the gate keys, and vanished into the night. Investigators say this raises serious questions about how the attacker gained access and whether he was known to the deceased.
Police spokesperson Ms Rachael Kawala confirmed that there were no immediate signs of forced entry. This detail has deepened suspicion that the attacker either knew Tumwebaze or was trusted enough to enter her home freely.
After the suspect fled, neighbours were alerted, and Tumwebaze was rushed to Namirembe Church of Uganda Hospital. Sadly, doctors pronounced her dead on arrival.
Police say only a laptop bag and a phone were reportedly taken, raising doubts about whether robbery was the main motive. Investigators are now exploring other possible angles behind the crime.
The Uganda Police Force has assured the public that task teams have been deployed to trace and arrest the killer. Forensic evidence has been collected, and several leads are being analyzed.
The local community has been left heartbroken. Neighbours described Tumwebaze as peaceful, friendly, and deeply devoted to her children and work.
The area chairperson, Mr Alex Wasswa, said Tumwebaze had lived in the neighbourhood for four years without any security incidents. He noted that the area was generally calm and free from serious crime.
Neighbours also described her as generous and trusting. A casual worker, Mr Amos Ziwa, recalled how she often sent him on errands and paid him via phone, saying the last time they spoke was just days before her death.
Beyond the neighbourhood, Tumwebaze was widely respected as an educator. Students fondly referred to her as “the coolest DOSA,” praising her kindness, openness, and dedication to student welfare.
Just hours before her death, she had preached at UCU’s community worship service, delivering a sermon about building healthy relationships, a message that now carries painful irony.
Her academic journey reflected a life of commitment and excellence. She earned multiple degrees, including a Bachelor’s in Education, two Master’s degrees, and was pursuing a PhD in Journalism, Media, and Communication.
In a statement, UCU described her as a beacon of kindness and strength, saying her life was brutally cut short in a way that has shaken the entire university community.
As investigations continue, many questions remain unanswered. How did the attacker gain access so easily? Why did he claim familiarity with the victim? And what truly motivated the killing?
For now, Uganda mourns a respected educator, mother, and community pillar, while police race against time to bring justice for Pamela Tumwebaze and closure to a nation deeply disturbed by her tragic death.
