Uganda’s State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Col (rtd) Charles Okello Engola, has been shot dead by his bodyguard at his home in Kyanja, a Kampala suburb.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — The State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Col (rtd) Charles Okello Engola, was shot dead by his bodyguard at his home in Kyanja, a Kampala suburb on Tuesday morning.
The Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among, confirmed the minister’s death while presiding over the plenary session on Tuesday. She expressed her condolences and said, “May his soul rest in peace. That was God’s plan. We can’t change anything.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, with the guard later shooting himself dead.
Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, stated that the minister was on his way to attend a Cabinet sitting when he was shot.
Tragic incident confirmed by authorities and parliament
The Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigire, confirmed the incident, while the Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among, also confirmed the minister’s death while presiding over the plenary session on Tuesday morning. “This morning, I received sad news that Hon Engola has been shot by his bodyguard and after, shot himself. May his soul rest in peace. That was God’s plan. We can’t change anything,” Ms Among said.
Scene of crime cordoned off by security personnel
The scene of the crime has been cordoned off by security personnel, with the minister’s body still at the scene where he was shot from.
As of press time, the shooter’s body was also still in the salon where he reportedly shot himself. Gender Minister Betty Amongi is among the government officials who have already arrived at Engola’s home in Kyanja.
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The shooting occurred at his residence in Kyanja and was carried out by one of his bodyguards, Private Wilson Sabiiti, who allegedly fired several shots at close range before fleeing the scene. He later entered a salon at Kyanja’s Ring Road, where he also shot himself dead.
Guard’s motive behind the incident
According to an eyewitness, “The guard said he hadn’t been paid Shs4m. He said he had a pregnant woman and his children were not going to school yet the minister’s kids were schooling.”
Engola previously served as Minister of State for Defence and was the commander of the UPDF 501 Brigade, headquartered at Opit, in Gulu District during his military career.
Engola’s role in fighting the Lord’s Resistance Army
During his tenure as commander of the UPDF 501 Brigade, Engola played a significant role in the fight against the Lord’s Resistance Army. His military career saw him rise through the ranks, eventually earning the rank of colonel before retiring in 2007.
Minister’s ADC injured, investigation ongoing
The minister’s aide-de-camp, Ronald Otim, was also injured in the incident and was rushed to Mulago hospital for treatment. The investigation is still in the early stages of review, according to police spokesperson Fred Enanga.
Officers from the scene of crime are currently combing for more exhibits that will aid police investigations.
The deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, and the director of CID, Maj Tom Magambo, were the first security chiefs to arrive at the minister’s home.
Police investigation ongoing
. @FredEnanga1 the Police Spokesperson on the unfortunate shootiing incident at Kyanja ring road which led to the death of Hon Rtd Col Charles Okello Engola the State Minister for Labor, Employment and Industrial Relations. pic.twitter.com/dA91G6Kbsu
— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) May 2, 2023
Further information on the incident is yet to be released.
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