Security was heightened at the Mukono Magistrate’s Court as Dak Hussein Taewaiko, 21, was arraigned in connection with the brutal murder of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Director students affair Pamella Ruth Tumwebaze.
Taewaiko, who had reportedly worked as a houseboy at the deceased’s residence before being dismissed, was presented before the court under tight guard by operatives from the Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT) unit. He was immediately remanded to prison following his appearance.
The suspect had initially been detained at Mukono Police Station before being transferred to court. Police say he was arrested on the 11th of this month from his home district of Budaka, where he was allegedly found in possession of several items believed to belong to the deceased.
According to investigators, Taewaiko was on Wednesday escorted back to Pamella’s residence in Gwaffu West village, Goma Sub-county, Mukono District, where he reportedly demonstrated to security officers how he carried out the killing. The chilling reconstruction was part of ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
This afternoon, Taewaiko appeared before Grade One Magistrate William Muwonge and was charged with two counts — murder and aggravated robbery. The prosecution alleges that the offences were committed on the 11th of this month.
The court heard that among the items reportedly stolen from the deceased were a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone, a charger, a laptop bag, a document pouch, and unspecified amounts of cash in various foreign currencies.
Senior State Attorney Emily Ninsiima informed the court that investigations are still ongoing and requested that the accused be remanded until the next mention of the case.
Magistrate Muwonge declined to allow the accused to enter a plea, explaining that the charges are capital in nature and can only be tried by the High Court. He remanded Taewaiko until March 19 this year for further mention of the case.
The magistrate also informed the accused that he may only apply for bail before the High Court, given the gravity of the charges.
Emotions ran high in the courtroom as Pamella’s family members and several UCU students followed proceedings. Some were seen breaking down in tears as the suspect was led away by security personnel.
The case continues to send shockwaves through the university community and the wider Mukono District as investigations progress.
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