As the nation continues to mourn the death PAMELA TUMWEBAZE, the murdered director of Students Affairs at Uganda Christian University (UCU), several attributes continue to be revealed about what made her special.
As Geofrey Serugo writes in this touching obituary, her ability to balance motherhood, scholarship, leadership, and ministry was remarkable. She believed in empowering young people to discover their purpose and believed institutions should nurture character as much as competence.
She believed in prayer as much as policy. The Uganda Christian University (UCU) community and the nation at large are mourning the tragic and untimely death of Pamela Tumwebaze, who was murdered in the early hours of February 11, 2026.
She was the director of Students Affairs at Uganda Christian University. Her passing has left an indescribable void in the education sector, particularly at UCU, where she dedicated 23 years of her life to shaping young minds, strengthening institutional systems, and nurturing students spiritually, emotionally, and academically.
She was 46. Pamela, as she was fondly known, was more than an administrator. She was a mentor, counsellor, prayer warrior, disciplinarian, and mother figure to many. A resident of Gwafu West Village, Seeta ward, Goma division in Mukono district, she was found strangled dead in her bedroom, shocking family, friends and colleagues.
The Joint Security Task Team investigating the murder arrested a key suspect, Taewaiko Dak Hussein, on February 14, 2026, in Budaka district. He was reportedly found in possession of property belonging to the deceased, evidence investigators believe links him to the crime.
Preliminary findings indicate he was a former house help to Pamela. Investigations are ongoing. While the circumstances of her death are painful and unsettling, those who knew Pamela are choosing to focus on the extraordinary life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind.
She was born on September 30, 1979, in Nkokonjeru, Ruharo, Mbarara district. She was the seventh child of the late Charles Nkwiita Tumwebaze and Loy Tumwebaze. From humble beginnings, she grew into a woman defined by discipline, resilience and a commitment to excellence.
Education was her ladder, faith her anchor and service her calling. She began her academic journey at Uganda Martyrs Primary School (1984–1990), before attending Kinyasano Girls High School (1992– 1996) and Kyeizooba Girls High School (1996–1999).
Her intellectual promise and determination were evident early on. In 2000, she enrolled at Uganda Christian University to pursue a bachelor’s of Education. That decision would shape the rest of her life.
She graduated in 2003 but did not sever ties with the institution. Instead, she stayed and began what would become a 23-year journey of service at UCU. She later earned a master’s of Arts in Literature degree in 2007 and, demonstrating her passion for communication and leadership, completed a master’s in Strategic Communication in 2025.
At the time of her passing, she was pursuing a PhD in Journalism, Media, and Communications, a testament to her lifelong commitment to scholarship. Pamela rose through the ranks to become director of Students Affairs, a role that placed her at the heart of student life.
In this capacity, she oversaw welfare, discipline, counselling and student development initiatives. Her leadership style was firm but compassionate. She believed discipline was not punishment but preparation for responsible adulthood.
Abraham Elomaboni, the UCU guild president, describes her as a transformative leader who relentlessly advanced students’ interests.
“We have lost a strong pillar,” he says, urging the university community to uphold the principles she stood for. Prof Aaron Mushengyezi, the UCU vice chancellor, credits her advocacy for contributing to significant improvements in student welfare, including hostel renovations and strengthened counselling services.
Students recount how she took time to listen, advise, pray and sometimes correct them with motherly firmness. She believed in holistic education that academic excellence must be anchored in moral and spiritual grounding.
A WOMAN OF DEEP FAITH
Pamela was a born-again Christian whose faith was central to her life and work. She initiated a prayer altar in the counselling offices at UCU, where she met with students every Tuesday to pray for the university, its leadership, and the nation.
Her spirituality was not performative; it was lived. She led by example; modest, humble, and grounded. Colleagues say she was a woman of consistency. Whether she had little or much, her demeanor never changed.
Money did not define her; character did. Even in her final days, she remained devoted to her responsibilities. Prior to her death, she had informed colleagues about plans for her upcoming wedding, though no date had been set, a new chapter she was looking forward to beginning.
Prof Mushengyezi observed that she had recently appeared quieter and more withdrawn in meetings, a subtle shift from her normally vibrant engagement. In hindsight, these memories are now held with deep sorrow.
DEVOTED MOTHER, LOVING SISTER
Beyond her professional identity, Pamela was a devoted mother to two sons, whom she cherished deeply. Her children were her pride and motivation. Rebecca Tumwebaze, her sibling, describes her as a person who was joyous and loving.
“She was my best friend and close confidant,” she says.
Her ability to balance motherhood, scholarship, leadership, and ministry was remarkable. She carried her responsibilities with quiet strength and grace. She believed in empowering young people to discover their purpose.
She believed institutions should nurture character as much as competence. She believed in prayer as much as policy. Her legacy is written in the lives of thousands of students she mentored, many now professionals, leaders, and parents who carry forward her counsel and example.
AN IRREPLACEABLE LOSS
The education sector, particularly Uganda Christian University, will feel the weight of her absence for years to come. Offices can be filled, but the spirit of a servant-leader is irreplaceable.
Pamela Tumwebaze’s earthly journey ended far too soon. Yet her life was not measured merely in years, but in impact. In classrooms, in counselling sessions, in prayer meetings, in boardrooms, and in the quiet conversations where hope was restored, she planted seeds that will continue to bear fruit.
Though her death was tragic, her life was triumphant. She leaves behind her two sons, her mother, siblings, colleagues, and countless students whose lives she shaped.
geofreyserugo1992@gmail.com