MUKONO, Uganda — Police in Uganda’s metropolitan district of Mukono are investigating the killing of Pamela Ruth Tumwebaze, Director of Student Affairs at Uganda Christian University (UCU), who was found strangled at her home in the early hours of Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Authorities say the 46-year-old was attacked after an assailant believed to have gained entry into her residence in Ganvu West Cell, Seeta Ward, Goma Division, reportedly when the house-help opened the gate.
According to the Mukono Police Criminal Investigations Department (CRB 195/2026), the suspect entered the property at around 2:00am.
Ms Tumwebaze was later rushed to Mukono Namirembe Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her body remains at the facility pending a postmortem examination.
Police said the attacker stole a laptop and the deceased’s mobile phone before fleeing. A team led by ASP Majidu Alituha, Officer Commanding Mukono Police Station, alongside officers from the Scenes of Crime Office (SOCO), examined and documented the scene as part of ongoing investigations.
Ms Tumwebaze lived with her two sons; Noah, 13, Elijah, 10, and a 20-year-old house-help, Sharif Lwantale.
Earlier reports indicate she was last seen alive on Tuesday evening at around 10:00pm, after delivering a keynote address at a community worship service held at Nkoyoyo Hall. During the event, she spoke on fostering healthy student relationships.
Her death has sent shockwaves through the UCU community, where she had served for more than two decades in both academic and administrative roles.
Ms Tumwebaze joined the university as an undergraduate in 2000, graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education.
Over the years, she held positions including Tutorial Assistant, Executive Officer to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration, and Head of the Honors College.
She had recently been appointed Director of Student Affairs, a role she had held for approximately three months, while pursuing a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication.
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University officials have not yet issued a detailed statement, but colleagues described her as a dedicated administrator committed to student welfare and mentorship.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death are ongoing. Authorities have appealed to members of the public with any information to assist in identifying and apprehending the perpetrator.
The incident comes amid heightened public concern over violent crime targeting residential areas in parts of central Uganda.
Security agencies have in recent months reiterated calls for communities to strengthen neighbourhood watch systems and enhance surveillance measures.
