Uganda is in shock after a soldier gunned down a minister, Col (rtd) Charles Okello Engola, on Tuesday in morning. Courtesy picture
Okello, who was state minister for labour died on spot at his residence at Kyanja, Nakawa Division, in Kampala.
The body guard who has since been identified by minister for ICT and national guidance as, Chris Baryomunsi, as Pte Wilson Sabiiti, went shooting in air after killing his boss. Hunting Vodka: 0754649086
The locals said the soldier was shouting that he had gone months without pay yet he was working for the minister.
Former Kawempe North legislator, Latif Ssebagala, said he was at a nearby shop and he heard several bullet sounds.
“I later saw him shooting in the air and residents were running for their safety. I also hide myself and I was later informed that he had killed himself inside a salon. I told people that he must have done something wrong at home and indeed we found the minister’s body near his official car,” Ssebagala said.
Engola was representing Oyam North while his superior minister in the gender ministry Betty Among represents Oyam South.
Baryomunsi said the personal assistant for the deceased minister was also seriously injured and he’s receiving treatment at Mulago hospital.
“The reasons, the motivation for now we do not know. The police will be able to add pieces together,” Baryomunsi said.
Among, who is the cabinet minister for labour said the killer guard was just deployed a month ago. She added that the guard was also with the minister in Namutumba district at labour day celebration.
Although the witnesses said the guard was shouting that he was broke and not paid for long, Among said it must have been anger generated from somewhere because the guard was just new to his principal.
Senior Commissioner of Police – SCP Fred Enanga said director CID Tom Magambo and deputy IGP Maj Gen Katsigazi Tumusiime, were at the scene to supervise investigations.
Erias Lukwago, the Kampala Lord Mayor, who also visited the deceased’s home said if what locals’ accounts is anything to go by, then everyone must be worried over deep-rooted anger.
“There’s deep rooted anger in security circles, and every body. It is anger between the haves and have nots. People see us in these cars and see us as source of their suffering,” Lukwago said.