State Minister Engola shot dead by bodyguard in Kampala

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Minister of State for Labour,Employment & Industrial Relations, Col. (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola, has been shot dead by his body guard in a Kampala suburb. The yet to be identified guard it is said, later turned the gun on himself.

According to the Police Spokesperson, Fred Enaga, Engola was shot at close range at his residence in Kyanja on Tuesday while entering his vehicle to go to work. Police have identified the bodyguard as Private Wilson Sabiti.

Enaga also said that Ronald Otim, who was Engola’s ADC sustained severe injuries and is seeking treatment at Mulago Hospital.

Enaga says that Sabiti fired several shots at close range, killing Engola instantly. Enaga adds that after shooting the Minister, the bodyguard fled from the scene up to the trading center at Kyanja, Ring Road where he entered a salon and also shot himself dead.

Enaga says that they are yet to establish the motive of the shooting. He says that a team of detectives has been dispatched to the crime scene team for further investigations.

While in the military, Engola was the commander of the UPDF 501 Brigade, at Opit, in Gulu District.

He was then promoted to the rank of colonel and retired from the military in 2007.

During his political career, he served as Oyam District LCV Chairperson on the ruling NRM party ticket for two terms.

In 2016, he was elected Oyam North Member of Parliament and re-elected in 2021.

He also served as State Minister of Defence from 2016 until 2021.

****

URN