It is true that the shamba boy, Hussein Dak Taewaiko, was found in possession of the deceased’s property, including a phone and laptop, which he allegedly picked from the bedroom of Pamela Tumwebaze after killing her in the wee hours of February 11.
Investigations by joint security agencies led detectives to Budaka District in Eastern Uganda, where Taewaiko was arrested and taken into police custody. He is expected to be arraigned in court and charged with murder.
Sources within the police who spoke to this investigative website on condition of anonymity revealed that, based on scientific analysis, forensic findings, and the fact that Taewaiko was found with Pamela’s gadgets, investigators are convinced he committed the murder.
Further, the suspect reportedly gave a confession to investigators, detailing what allegedly pushed him to end the life of the Uganda Christian University Dean of Students Affairs. According to the same sources, Pamela was allegedly planning to marry an American after finalising her divorce from her former husband, Alexander (Alex) Matsiko.
A high-ranking investigator revealed to this website that although Pamela’s ex-husband will be invited to record a statement, he is not a suspect, contrary to public speculation arising from the timing of her death as she resumed divorce proceedings.
“The ex-husband, we know, is a lawyer and a city businessman. He is not a person of interest at the moment, but we shall still record his statement. For now, we are very contented with what we have in custody, and based on the evidence and narration obtained, we are confident he committed the crime,” the investigator said.
TrumpetNews’ investigation points the motive of the murder to revenge.
From Shamba Boy to “In Charge of the Home”
The shamba boy had reportedly spent three years at Pamela’s home. From being a shamba boy, Taewaiko gradually assumed a central role in the household due to the level of trust and freedom he was accorded.
He freely accessed all corners of the house. On his TikTok account, several videos reportedly show him both inside and outside the home.
From his confession while in custody, he reportedly described himself as being “in charge” of the home.
Pamela, a busy lecturer, administrator, and motivational speaker with a demanding schedule, delegated most domestic responsibilities to him. He handled shopping, food, security, and other household duties, which investigators say may have caused him to see himself as indispensable.
“He forgot he was even a shamba boy. He could be inside the house changing TV channels anytime he wanted,” an investigator said, citing the suspect’s own statement.
HEARTBROKEN
However, sharing a plate with royalty does not make one royal.
According to investigators, one morning two expensive children’s bicycles belonging to Pamela’s sons went missing. Pamela, who lived with her two boys, reportedly accused Taewaiko of being responsible and demanded that he produce them or face a salary deduction.
When he failed to do so, his pay was cut. In December, he was eventually dismissed.
This, according to investigators, did not sit well with a man who had begun to believe he “had it all.”
It is further alleged that after leaving, Taewaiko hinted that he would return to collect his dues.
A Pattern Seen Before
A number of murders in Uganda have occurred over salary disputes and strained relationships between employers and workers.
On May 12, 2023, police officer Ivan Wabwire shot and killed an Indian money lender at Raja Chambers on Parliamentary Avenue in Kampala over money.
Ten days earlier, a UPDF soldier guarding Minister Charles Okello Engola shot and killed him at his home in Kyanja. Pte Wilson Sabiiti later turned the gun on himself, accusing the minister of mistreatment and low pay.
On February 4, 2026, a security guard allegedly raped and murdered TikToker Diana Skyz in Kyanja. The suspect, Marvin Webisa, was later found in possession of the deceased’s items valued at Shs18 million.
In 2012, shamba boy Jorevasio Kabagambe conspired with others and killed 70-year-old Josephine Nalwadda in Mpigi, escaping with Shs5 million. Nalwadda had reportedly adopted him after his release from Kampiringisa Juvenile Prison.
In another case, Hilary Byaruhanga, a guard with Dons Security Group, killed his boss Anthony Mutinisa in Ntinda last year in August and drove off with a luxury SUV before being arrested in Kanungu.
There are many examples of high-profile murders and robberies in Uganda that have been planned and executed by shamba boys, maids, and security guards.
The Bigger Question for Homeowners
But as homeowners, who do you allow into your house?
The murder of Pamela Tumwebaze rekindles unanswered questions for homeowners, parents, and caretakers about access, trust, and domestic labour standards.
What qualifications should domestic workers have?
What training is required?
How much should a maid earn to meet basic needs?
Should there be written contracts?
What about health standards?
Research by this website indicates that 98% of employers in Uganda do not consider education level, mental health, or criminal history of casual labourers. The focus is often only on labour delivery.
Documentation
Most homes do not demand documents such as national IDs, recommendation letters, or medical reports from shamba boys, maids, or gatekeepers—making tracing difficult when tragedy strikes.
History
Employers rarely inquire into criminal history. Many domestic workers are former convicts who simply relocate and re-enter the labour market due to its low entry barrier.
Boundaries
Should a shamba boy or maid access the employer’s bedroom?
Should intimacy between employers and workers exist at all?
Contracts
Should written contracts define pay, duties, payment schedules, and consequences of breach?
Health
How many employers require medical clearance for workers entrusted with children, food, and valuables?
How many test for infections, mental health, or HIV?
Treatment
How do you treat your domestic workers?
Do you scold them, cut their pay, or use violence?
What precedent does that set for children in the home?
Parents, it is not too late.
You can act.
Pamela Tumwebaze was laid to rest at her ancestral home in Rubaya, Kashari, Mbarara District, as investigations into her murder continue.
