Security operatives on Wednesday revisited Gwafu Village in Goma Division, this time accompanied by Hussein Dak Taewaiko, the prime suspect in the killing of Uganda Christian University’s Director of Students Affairs, Ms Pamela Tumwebaze.
The return marked a critical phase in the investigation, as the suspect retraced his alleged movements and described how the tragic events unfolded.
The security detail was composed of officers from the police, the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT), and the UPDF. Under tight guard, Taewaiko was escorted back to the scene where Ms Tumwebaze was strangled last week. The reconstruction began at Seeta Centre, near the Seeta Junior School signpost, a location investigators believe marked the starting point of the suspect’s journey to the deceased’s home.
Handcuffed and transported in a police Omni-bus—popularly known as a “drone”—Taewaiko appeared calm and composed. Observers noted his steady demeanor as he narrated how he allegedly moved from Seeta to Gwafu Village, stopping approximately 100 metres from Ms Tumwebaze’s residence before proceeding on foot.
Upon reaching the property, the suspect reportedly demonstrated how he knocked on the gate several times but received no response. He then moved to the left side of the perimeter wall, near a mango tree, and allegedly climbed over into the compound. The reenactment drew the attention of area residents, many of whom watched from a distance.
Journalists who had followed the convoy were later denied access to the inner compound. Security personnel continued the reconstruction inside the house for more than an hour, away from public view, as investigators pieced together the sequence of events within the residence.
Alleged Confession
According to Local Council Chairman Waswa, who was present during the exercise, the suspect admitted to killing the university administrator. The chairman quoted Taewaiko as saying that when he entered the compound, he encountered the family dog, which did not bark because it was familiar with him. He allegedly called the dog “Tiger” before heading toward the back of the house.
“He said he removed his slippers to avoid making noise, passed by the water tank, saw the maid in the kitchen, and proceeded directly to the bedroom,” Waswa recounted.
Local leaders further indicated that the suspect allegedly told them he hid inside the bedroom until Ms Tumwebaze entered later to sleep. When she reportedly discovered him there, she asked what he was doing in her room. Taewaiko allegedly claimed he had gone to demand Shs800,000 in unpaid dues for work he had previously carried out at her home, and it is from here that the motive to finish her off came about.
Ms Tumwebaze was later found strangled in her bedroom, a development that sent shockwaves through the community around Uganda Christian University and ignited widespread outrage.
As the reconstruction exercise unfolded, residents gathered nearby, some expressing relief that an arrest had been made. “Recently, that boy has been living at a bar/guest house at Seeta,” said Sam Mugabi, a resident, suggesting that the suspect had been seen in the area in the days leading up to the incident.
Security officers wrapped up the reenactment at around 4 pm and departed without making any statements to the media, leaving many questions unanswered.
Ms Tumwebaze, who is survived by two sons, was reportedly preparing to formalize her marriage before her life was abruptly cut short. Meanwhile, police investigations remain ongoing as the suspect awaits further court proceedings, with the community still grappling with the gravity of the loss.
