Uganda minister shot dead by bodyguard over ‘unpaid salary’

Charles Engola, Uganda’s state minister for labour, employment and industrial relations, has been shot dead by his bodyguard.

Fred Enanga, police spokesperson, said the minister was shot dead at about 8am local time on Tuesday at his home in Kampala, the country’s capital.

Enanga said it was a murder-suicide case.

“He (Engola) was shot at his residence in Kyanja by one of his bodyguards who allegedly fired several shots at close range. He fled from the scene up to the trading centre at Kyanja, Ring road where he entered a salon and also shot himself dead,” the police spokesperson said.

VIDEO: Bodyguard kills self after shooting Ugandan minister

📽️: @PoliceUg pic.twitter.com/NHYX8VagHk

— TheCable (@thecableng) May 2, 2023

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The shooter was identified as Wilson Sabiiti, an ex-soldier.

According to East African, a witness said Sabiiti complained that the minister owed him several months of unpaid salary as he shot in the air to warn civilians at Kyanja town, moments before turning the gun at himself.

“The guard said he hadn’t been paid Ush4 million (about $1,000). He said he had a pregnant woman and his children were not going to school, yet the minister’s children were schooling,” the eyewitness was quoted to have said.

Police said investigations had commenced and expressed grief at the situation.

“The motive of the murder has not yet been established. The investigation is currently in the early stages of review, with CID and forensic experts, already documenting the scene,” Enanga said.

“The DIGP and a team of directors have visited the scene and extended heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, friends and relatives. 

“We would like to further extend heartfelt condolences to H.E. the President, all cabinet ministers, the staff at the ministry of labour, gender and social development. 

“May the soul of Hon. Rtd. Col. Charles Okello Engola rest in eternal peace.”