Mourners gathered in sombre reflection on Sunday as the late former Director of Student Affairs at Uganda Christian University was laid to rest at her ancestral home in Kashari, Mbarara, bringing to a close days of vigils, tributes and soul-searching following her violent death.
Pamela Tumwebaze was buried at about 5:15pm in a ceremony marked by deep emotion, spiritual reflection and renewed calls for justice from both family members and the university community.
Relatives described the burial not only as a farewell, but also as a moment of collective questioning — how a woman widely remembered as warm, disciplined and service-oriented could meet such a tragic end.
Canon Benon Baabo, one of the deceased’s uncles, said the family is encouraged by progress in the investigations but remains eager to understand the motive behind the killing.
“Our prayer and plea was that the assailant be caught, and we are glad they are closing in. We want to know why that person took the life of our daughter,” he said.
Earlier in the afternoon, clergy led a slow procession carrying the body into the ancestral grounds for the final rites, setting the tone for a ceremony that blended Christian liturgy with cultural mourning traditions. The laying of wreaths followed, beginning with close family members and extending to dozens of friends, colleagues and institutional representatives.
Student leaders spoke of Tumwebaze’s influence beyond her administrative duties, describing her as a bridge between university management and the student body.
Guild president Abraham Elomaboni credited her approachable leadership style with nurturing a generation of student leaders.
Administrative staff recalled her deep commitment to student welfare, noting that her office often functioned as a counselling and mentorship space for students navigating academic and personal challenges.
In his eulogy, Vice Chancellor Prof Aaron Mushengyezi reflected on her professional journey, noting that she earned her place in the directorate on merit, despite competing with older and more experienced candidates.
He also revealed that staff contributed Shs 28 million in condolences, while the university contributed Shs 23 million towards funeral arrangements — a gesture he said reflected the institution’s appreciation of her service.
Chairperson of Deans of Students Stella Amandru described the DOSA role as one that relies more on emotional intelligence and life experience than formal training, saying Tumwebaze embodied both.
Yet beneath the tributes lay visible grief and unresolved pain among family members.
Family head Zedekiah Karokora said they continue to struggle to reconcile the glowing testimonies about Tumwebaze with the violent circumstances surrounding her death.
In an emotional tribute, her mother described her as peaceful, sociable and charming, recalling her warmth and presence within the family.
University leadership said one suspect has been arrested and investigations are ongoing. Both family members and university officials urged police to pursue the case to its logical conclusion to ensure accountability.
For many who gathered, the burial marked not just the end of a life, but the beginning of a long search for answers.
