Bodyguard murders Ugandan minister over 'unpaid salary'

The bodyguard of Charles Engola, Uganda's state minister for labor, employment, and industrial affairs, shot him to death.

The minister was shot and killed at his residence in Kampala, the nation's capital, on Tuesday at approximately 8 a.m. local time, according to police spokesperson Fred Enanga.

It was a murder-suicide, according to Enanga.

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

In order to warn residents of Kyanja town, a witness told East African that Sabiiti argued that the minister owed him several months' worth of unpaid wages just before turning the gun on himself.

“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.

Police expressed sorrow at the circumstance and announced that investigations had started.

“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.”

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