Revealed: Ugandan minister’s bodyguard complained about being 'broke' before killing him

It is now emerging that the bodyguard who killed Ugandan minister Col. (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola complained about financial constraints just minutes before committing the act, and then later on turning the gun on himself.

Confirming the incident, Uganda’s police spokesperson Fred Enanga said State Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations Col. (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola was shot dead at around 8am on Tuesday as he was preparing to leave his Kyanja home for work.

His bodyguard, since identified as Pte Wilson Sabiti, is seen in a now viral video firing more than 20 rounds of ammunition in the air while reportedly shouting; “how can I work for a whole minister and still be broke?”

Mr. Enanga confirmed that Pte Sabiti later on also took his own life, adding that investigations have since commenced into the incident.

The late minister’s personal assistant, Ronald Otim, sustained gunshot injuries and is presently being treated at the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.

“We can confirm to you that honourable Charles Okello Engola was shot dead by one of his bodyguards this morning. The bodyguard later on also killed himself,” said Mr. Enanga.

“However, we have launched investigations to ascertain the motive of the murder. The body of the late minister has been taken to the city mortuary for a post-mortem.”

Parliament deputy speaker Thomas Tayebwa visited the scene and termed the situation as unfortunate, further urging the relevant security agencies to probe it to its logical conclusion.

“The tragic shooting of our colleague Hon. Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola, the State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, by his bodyguard this morning is very disturbing,” he said.

“I visited the family in Kyanja to deliver my personal and the Parliament's heartfelt condolences. Police and other sister security agencies are investigating the motive of this gruesome murder.”

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) issued a brief statement confirming the death and said they have also launched parallel investigations.

“We have come to learn of the unfortunate incident at Kyanja ring road which led to the demise of Col. Charles Okello Engola this morning. We shall inform the public the details as we jointly investigate the matter,” read the statement.

[Written By Ezaruku Draku Franklin in Uganda]