Shock as Another University Student is Found Dead in Her Room

A first-year student at the University of St. Joseph’s Mbarara was found dead in her rented room in the Katete suburb of Nyamitanga Division, with the university confirming she was killed by unknown assailants found locked inside her own house.

Jackline Tumwebaze, 27, was enrolled in the university’s weekend Bachelor of Accounting and Finance program. A relative, Justus Tukamushaba, told authorities the family last spoke with her Monday morning. By Tuesday, both her mobile phones were off. When he went to check on her and found the house locked, he obtained a key, entered, and discovered her body after noticing a strong smell inside.

The body was taken to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Family members noted that most of her belongings were still in the house, but her two mobile phones were gone.

The university confirmed the death in a statement posted to its official X account on Thursday. “We are working closely with her family and local police to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death,” said university official Eugene Nuwamnanya.

Rwizi regional police spokesperson Samson Kasasira said he had not yet received full details of the case.

Tumwebaze, born January 28, 1998, was from Kininga-Mushana Parish in Buhunga Sub-county, Buhweju District. She balanced weekend studies with running a small business during the week.

Her death comes shortly after Bishop Stuart University also reported a student found dead under unclear circumstances. That student, Namara Comfort, was pursuing a Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management. The university mourned her passing on its official X account, saying: “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, classmates, and all who knew her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”