The Uganda Christian University (UCU) community is in deep shock and mourning following the brutal killing of its Dean of Students, Pamela Tumwebaze, who was attacked by unknown assailants at her residence.
Her death was confirmed on Wednesday morning by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Rev. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“It is so sad that as @UCUniversity we have lost our dear @palmruthtee 😢💔😞, our Director for Student Affairs aka Dean of Students. We are heartbroken. We need your prayers. We pray that the Almighty God will comfort Maama, the siblings and her two beloved sons. Psalm 90:12: ‘Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.’”
According to preliminary reports, thugs reportedly broke into her home during the night and violently assaulted her. She was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment but later succumbed to her injuries.
The tragic incident has sent waves of grief and anger across the university and beyond, with students, staff, alumni, and members of the public expressing sorrow over the loss.
Tumwebaze had recently taken on the role of Director of Student Affairs and was widely known for her commitment to student welfare and mentorship. Having served at UCU in various capacities for over two decades, she was regarded as a compassionate leader and a strong advocate for young people.
University officials have described her death as a devastating loss to the institution, while many students have remembered her as approachable, kind, and deeply invested in their personal and academic growth.
Security agencies are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack. By press time, no official arrests or detailed police statement had been released.
Funeral and burial arrangements are expected to be communicated by the family and the university in due course. 🕊️