MUKONO, Uganda — A key suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of Pamela Ruth Tumwebaze, the Director of Student Affairs at Uganda Christian University (UCU).
The Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate, Tom Magambo, confirmed the development in a brief statement on Saturday, saying one of the main suspects was apprehended by a joint team comprising the Uganda Police Force and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Team (JATT).
He added that police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke will provide further details in due course.
Tumwebaze, 46, was strangled at her home in Seeta, Mukono District, in the early hours of 11 February 2026. Police had earlier indicated that the attacker gained access to her residence at night before carrying out the assault.
Investigators said the suspect reportedly fled with her mobile phone and laptop bag, although authorities have not ruled out other possible motives.
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a case that has drawn widespread public attention and renewed debate over residential security and violent crime.
News of Tumwebaze’s death sent shockwaves through the UCU community, where she had served for more than two decades in both academic and administrative roles.
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Students and colleagues described her as compassionate and deeply committed to student welfare, crediting her with mentoring generations of learners and strengthening support systems on campus.
University leaders have since called for calm as investigations continue, urging the public to avoid speculation while police finalise their inquiries.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the suspect or the specific charges likely to be preferred. Under Ugandan law, murder carries a maximum sentence of death upon conviction.
Security agencies say forensic analysis and digital tracing are among the investigative tools being employed, particularly as detectives work to determine whether the theft of electronic devices was opportunistic or central to the crime.
The case remains under active investigation.
