MUKONO, Uganda — Ugandan police have confirmed that a suspect arrested in connection with the murder of Pamela Ruth Tumwebaze, the Director of Student Affairs at Uganda Christian University (UCU), is a former house help of the deceased.
The Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate, Tom Magambo, announced on Saturday that a key suspect had been apprehended by a joint team comprising the Uganda Police Force and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Team (JATT).
Providing further details, Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said:
“The Joint Security Task Team investigating the murder of Pamela Tumwebaze, the Director of Students Affairs at Christian University (UCU), has successfully arrested one of the key suspects, identified as hussein Dak Taewaiko, in connection with the crime.”
“The suspect was arrested today February 14, 2026, at his hideout in Budaka District where he was found in possession of the deceased’s property, a critical piece of evidence linking him to the murder,” she said. She added that preliminary findings indicate that the suspect is a former house help to the deceased.
Tumwebaze, 46, was killed at her home in Seeta, Mukono District, in the early hours of 11 February.
Police had earlier stated that she was strangled after an assailant gained access to her residence at night.
Investigators initially indicated that electronic items, including her mobile phone and laptop bag, were missing, raising questions about whether the killing was linked to theft, personal grievance or another motive.
The suspect was reportedly arrested in Budaka District, eastern Uganda, where authorities say he was found with property belonging to the deceased.
Kawala said investigations into the matter are ongoing and that further updates will be communicated as progress is made.
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Under Ugandan law, murder carries a maximum sentence of death upon conviction. Legal experts note that prosecutors must demonstrate intent and unlawful killing beyond reasonable doubt for a conviction to stand.
The case has gripped both the academic community and the wider public, reigniting debate about domestic worker vetting, residential security, and the vulnerability of professionals living in peri-urban areas.
Tumwebaze had served UCU for more than two decades in academic and administrative roles. Students and colleagues have described her as compassionate and deeply committed to student welfare, with tributes continuing to pour in on social media and university platforms.
University leaders have urged calm as the judicial process unfolds.
The investigation remains active.
