Uganda minister killed by soldier who was protecting him

Colonel Charles Okello Engola,
Colonel Charles Okello Engola,

A Ugandan national army soldier shot and killed a government minister he was guarding in Kampala on Tuesday 2nd May 2023.

Retired Colonel Charles Okello Engola, who was serving as the deputy minister for gender and labour, was fatally shot by Wilson Sabiiti at his home in the capital of Uganda.

Sabiiti had been assigned to the minister’s security detail only a month ago.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Sabiiti walking around the neighbourhood and firing shots in the air before the incident took place.

It is unclear whether there was any argument between the two men before the shooting.

The incident also resulted in the injury of an aide to the minister, Ronald Otim, who went on to receive treatment at Mulago Hospital in Kampala. There were also reports that other individuals may also have been injured, and videos circulating on social media show locals gathering at the scene in shock.

After shooting Col Engola, Sabiiti turned the gun on himself, taking his own life.

Col Engola was a senior member of the government and had previously served as a deputy minister for defence. The speaker of Uganda’s parliament, Anita Among, confirmed the news of his death in a brief statement while presiding over the morning session of parliament.

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