By Timothy Okurut and Bill Dan Arnold Borodi
Ms Pamela Tumwebaze, the former Director of Student Affairs (DOSA) of Uganda Christian University (UCU), has been laid to rest at her ancestral home in Kashari, Mbarara. Tumwebaze’s body was lowered into the grave at about 5:15pm, surrounded by relatives, friends, and workmates.
During welcome remarks to guests, Canon Benon Baabo, one of the deceased’s uncles, credited security operatives for the strides taken in seeking justice.
“Our prayer and plea was that the assailant be caught, and we are glad they are closing in. We would want to find out why that person took the life of our daughter,” Baabo said.
At about 1:57pm, a procession of clergy from the ancestral home walked in with the body for the final send-off. This was followed by the laying of wreaths, led by the deceased’s mother and children, alongside 76 other wreaths presented.
The UCU Guild President, Abraham Elomaboni, described Tumwebaze as hospitable and welcoming during her time of service, noting that her leadership helped develop many student leaders.
“The beautiful part is that her accommodating nature has produced many leaders, including myself,” Elomaboni said as he represented the students.
Karen Hapuch Kiconco, an administrative assistant in the DOSA’s office at the Mukono campus, described Tumwebaze as a leader who served with diligence and passion. She encouraged congregants to pray for students who will dearly miss her.
The Directorate also presented T-shirts available on order, imprinted with the message, “Coolest DOSA for the coolest university.”
The UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, eulogised Tumwebaze, referencing a message of repentance she shared during her final public address at the university. He also narrated her journey into the Directorate, noting that she competed with older and more experienced candidates but lived up to the expectations of the office.
“Ever since she became DOSA, she represented the office very well,” Mushengyezi said.
He added that UCU staff and students contributed UGX 28,600,000 in condolences, while the university contributed UGX 23 million towards funeral expenses.
“There is no special training to be a Dean of Students; it takes personality and experience,” said Chairperson Dean of Students Stella Amandru.
“Imagine handling 1,000 students as a single mother, yet in a home, two parents can fail to raise their children,” she added.
Family head Zedekiah Karokora said he struggled to understand why Tumwebaze was murdered.
“I attended vigils at Naalya, Emperor Hotel. All words spoken about her were wonderful. I have been wondering how such a lovely and caring woman could be strangled in such a murderous way,” he said.
Loy Tumwebaze, the deceased’s mother, began her eulogy by narrating the painful ordeal of learning about her daughter’s death. She described her as peaceful, social, and charming.
“She was the best receptionist among all the girls at home,” she said.
According to Mushengyezi, the deceased appeared moody during some meetings, suggesting she could have been facing personal challenges. He noted that Police had arrested one of the suspects and urged investigators to continue pursuing the case to establish who could have been behind the killing.
