Uganda: Detectives Reconstruct Murder of UCU Dean

18 February 2026

Detectives on Wednesday took the prime suspect in the murder of Uganda Christian Univeristy Dean of Students, Pamela Tumwebaze, to the residence as they reconstructed the events surrounding the crime.

The operation was led by personnel from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JAT), in collaboration with officers from the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force.

During the reconstruction, the suspect Hussain Dak Taekaiko reportedly demonstrated how he accessed Ms Tumwebaze's house.

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He indicated that he first knocked at the gate without receiving a response, before allegedly scaling the perimeter wall to gain entry.

Detectives then escorted him inside the house, where forensic teams examined key areas relevant to the investigation.

Access to the premises was restricted to preserve the integrity of the locus and ensure evidence was not compromised.

Residents identified Taekaiko as a former domestic servant at the deceased's home, a detail authorities are treating as significant in establishing both motive and familiarity with the property.

Gwafu Village Chairman Alex Waswa said that during interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to a financial dispute involving Shs800,000.

Investigators are examining whether this claimed debt may have been a trigger for the alleged attack.

According to information from local leadership, Taekaiko reportedly hid inside the house while waiting for Tumwebaze to return.

Upon her arrival, he allegedly confronted her over the money, and when she raised an alarm, he is said to have overpowered and strangled her.

Taekaiko, arrested on Saturday in Budaka District, remains in custody as detectives continue to gather evidence, analyze forensic findings, and record witness statements to build a case.

Authorities have promised further updates as the investigation progresses.

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