Mukono — Police in Mukono Metropolitan have intensified a manhunt for an unknown assailant in connection with the murder of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Director of Student Affairs, Ms Pamela Ruth Tumwebaze, as new details surrounding the incident come to light.

According to investigators, Ms Tumwebaze, 46, was strangled in the early hours of Wednesday, February 11, 2026, after an attacker gained access to her residence in Ganvu West Cell, Seeta Ward, Goma Division, Mukono District.

Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect entered the compound at around 2am after the gate was opened by the house-help. Police say the assailant reportedly stole a laptop and the deceased’s mobile phone before fleeing the scene.

The case has been registered under Mukono Police Criminal Investigations Department reference CRB 195/2026. Authorities say forensic teams have examined the scene and recorded statements from key witnesses as investigations continue.

Ms Tumwebaze’s body was taken to Mukono Namirembe Hospital and is pending a postmortem examination to aid further inquiries.

The deceased lived at the residence with her two children — Noah, 13, and Elijah, 10 — and a 20-year-old house-help identified as Sharif Lwantale. Police have not yet disclosed whether any arrests have been made but say efforts are underway to track down the suspect.

In a statement issued earlier, Uganda Christian University described Ms Tumwebaze as a dedicated administrator whose service and compassion greatly impacted the institution.

“Her warmth, empathy, and listening ear endeared her to many, and she will be deeply missed,” the university noted.

Ms Tumwebaze had been part of the UCU community for over two decades. She joined the institution as an undergraduate student in 2000 and graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Over the years, she rose through various academic and administrative roles, including Tutorial Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Executive Officer to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration, and Head of the Honors College.

She had served as Director of Student Affairs for about three months at the time of her death and was pursuing a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication.

Ms Tumwebaze is survived by her husband, Mr Alexander Matsiko, and their two children.

Police have urged anyone with information that could assist investigations to report to the nearest station as the search for the suspect continues.