On Tuesday, a shocking and tragic incident unfolded in Uganda as a bodyguard fatally shot a government minister, Charles Engola, in an apparent private dispute. The unfortunate event, which has sent shockwaves through the nation, was reported by both the army and local media.
The assailant responsible for this heinous act, though not publicly identified at this time, took his own life immediately following the attack. Charles Engola, the victim, was a retired army colonel who had been serving in the government of President Yoweri Museveni as the junior minister in charge of labor.
Brigadier Felix Kulayigye, the army’s spokesperson, issued a brief statement addressing the incident, describing it as an “unfortunate incident.” He also pledged to share more details with the public as they jointly investigate the matter, communicating his message through Twitter.
The tragic shooting occurred within the confines of Engola’s residence, located in a suburb of Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Police detectives promptly arrived at the scene to conduct their investigation.
While the motive behind this heart-wrenching act remains unclear, local press reports suggest that a dispute over the guard’s wages may have been a contributing factor. Witnesses recounted that the soldier had been vehemently vocal about not receiving payment for an extended period, despite his service to a government minister.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of high-profile officials in Uganda, as the country has witnessed similar gun attacks targeting prominent figures in recent years. In 2021, a former army chief in Uganda was wounded, and his daughter tragically lost her life in an attack when unidentified gunmen targeted their vehicle in the bustling city of Kampala.
