By The Insight Post Uganda
Kampala- Uganda
On a quiet Tuesday morning, tragedy struck in Kyanja, a suburb of Kampala, Uganda. The news of the shooting of State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Col (rtd) Charles Okello Engola, by his own bodyguard, left the country in a state of shock and mourning.
The atmosphere was sombre, with people walking around slowly and quietly as if they were trying to process the news. Some were whispering amongst themselves, while others stood silently in shock.
Government officials and security personnel have cordoned off the scene of the crime, and the sound of sirens filled the air as more people arrived at the minister’s home.
As details of the shooting emerged, a sense of sadness and anger washed over the crowd. The bodyguard’s alleged reason for pulling the trigger was his unpaid salary, which had accumulated over a period of time.
The irony of the situation was not lost on those present, as a person who was meant to provide security had instead become a threat to the very person he was supposed to protect.
The death of Col (rtd) Engola had a profound impact on those who knew him. As people gathered at his home, many shared stories of his kindness and dedication to his work.
According to Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police spokesperson, the suspect identified as Pte. Wilson Sabiiti fled the scene and shot himself dead in one of the barbershops around Kyanja Ring Road trading centre.
He adds that the investigation is in its early stages, and a team of forensic experts is using advanced technology to determine the cause of the tragic murder.
Enanga further appealed to the media and the public to avoid speculation about the motive for the shooting until the police have confirmed the facts. “As of now, the police have not yet confirmed if there were any other victims,” he says.
Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, and Maj. Tom Magambo, the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department, visited the scene (Minister’s residence) while crime scene investigators continue to gather evidence to aid in the police investigation.
The Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among, who confirmed the minister’s death, spoke of her shock and sadness, urging people to pray for the deceased and his family.
As the day fades, the sombre mood continued to permeate throughout the country.
It is a day that would be remembered for a long time, as Uganda mourned the loss of one of its own, and grappled with the tragic reality of how a seemingly small issue like salary arrears could lead to such a devastating outcome.
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