By Timothy Okurut & Slivia Nakituuka
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) fraternity has paid its final respects to the departed director of
Student Affairs (DOSA) Ms Pamela Tumwebaze. The sendoff began on Thursday with a Community
Worship session at Nkoyoyo Hall at the university, that was fully dedicated to eulogising her, crowned
with a funeral service today that began with an academic procession involving university administrators, senate members and Guild leaders.
During the funeral service today, which was held at Nkoyoyo Hall, Abraham Elomaboni, the Guild
President described the DOSA’s leadership as one that fronted the interests of the students.
“As the student fraternity, we have lost a strong pillar,” he said, reiterating comments by other speakers
calling on congregants to emulate the life of the late Tumwebaze. “There’s a way of celebrating her life,
if we uphold the principles she stood for,” he added.
Rebecca Tumwebaze, one of the deceased’s younger sisters described her as a loving and thoughtful
woman whom she shared many intimate moments with. “Pam was my best friend and confidant,” she
said.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi eulogised Tumwebaze by recounting some of the achievements that were birthed through her advocacy including hostel renovations. He also told the ongregation that before her death, Tumwebaze had told some staff members about her upcoming
wedding, but added that she seemed a bit dejected which was not her usual self.
“In some of our management meetings, I would deliberately probe her to say something.” He went on to charge the police to help uncover the mystery behind her death. He concluded by confirming that in line with the university funeral policy, the funeral expenses have been covered and certain benefits will be passed on to her children.
The preacher of the day, Dr. John Senyonyi, shared words of comfort to the mourners stemming from Psalms 46:10 that says, “Be still and know that I am God.” He encouraged the congregation by saying that a lifetime commitment to God cannot be ended by the evil doings of man. “Tragedy cannot take away our inheritance,” he said, letting the congregation know that there’s a greater glory that awaits believers in heaven.
Previously, at the community worship session, held on Thursday in honour of Tumwebaze’s legacy, a number of members of the UCU community also eulogised Tumwebaze, with many of them praising her faith in God.
Solomon Buyinza, an alumnus of UCU, said, “I could say many things about Ms. Pamela, but most importantly, she loved God,” he said.
He also told the congregation that Tumwebaze began a prayer altar in the counselling offices that met every week on Tuesday where she would come along with other students to pray over the university.
Similarly, Doreen Sserunjogi, a staff member in UCU and a close friend to the late, recalled how Tumwebaze held her faith dear, speaking of memories that brought them close to each other. She said their relationship was built due to their pursuit for God and described her as a person filled with contentment and humility.
“Pamela was a survivor, when there was little money she would survive, when there was a lot of money, she would not change her character,” Sserunjogi recalled.
Mr. Duncan Tumuhamye, another staff member, also spoke about her faith and relationship with God as one that came out clearly in her character and life. “She kept a smile, you can’t afford that smile if it’s not well with your soul.”
Victor Enock Masiga, a Guild leader who served as one of the former Members of Parliament (MP) for the Residents, spoke of the relationship that she had with the students as one that defied her position. “DOSA was just a title; she was a big sister and a friend,” Masiga said.
One of her other close friends, Mark Guthrie, the Executive Director of the Renew Uganda Initiative, recalls moments when he contacted her. “She was in a prison, at a bar, she was always trying to lift someone up,” Guthrie said.
“She believed in the student body a hundred percent.”
He then went ahead to urge the community to repent, in line with one of the final statements Tumwebaze had made to the UCU community during the sermon she delivered during the worship hour on Tuesday.
“You want to honor her memory, make some changes that are going to make you look more like Jesus,” he urged.
Tumwebaze’s two sons, overwhelmed with emotion, each failed to say anything beyond a sentence. Elijah Matsiko, her youngest son said, “She really loved God,” while Noah Matsiko, the older one said, “She was a dreamer, she would dream things and accomplish them.”
Mr. David Mugawe, The Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration (DVC F&A), spoke about Tumwebaze on four fronts: as a Christian, permeater, someone who loved students and someone who answered her call. “You can’t know Pamela and not know her children.” Mugawe said.
He also recalled Tumwebaze’s commitment in supporting students who were battling drug addictions, an area she heavily vested herself in. “At one point I paused and asked a question, ‘Pamela, at what point does policy kick in’?” Her reply, according to Mugawe was, ‘David, give me one more chance.’”
He closed his remarks by asking the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge Academic Affairs, Dr. John Kitayimbwa to lead the congregation in a prayer for Tumwebaze’s children and the wider UCU community.
The family, relatives and friends have now proceeded along with Tumwebaze’s body to her ancestral home in Nkokonjeru, Mbarara, where a vigil will be held before she’s laid to rest in Kashari.
