The county this morning awoke to the shocking news of the murder of Col. (Rtd) Charles Engola Okello, the State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, who was shot by his bodyguard at his home in Kyanja, near Kampala. The bodyguard, a UPDF soldier, later turned the gun on himself. He also died on the spot.

The motive of the shooting remained scanty Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga said that detectives from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) reported to the scene and investigations have commenced.

State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Col. (Rtd) Charles Engola Okello was shot and killed on his way to work by his bodyguard, a UPDF soldier identified as Sabiiti Wilson. The incident occurred at the deceased minister’s home in the suburb of Kyanja, near Kampala.

It is reported that the UPDF soldier, after shooting his principal dead, went on a shooting spree in the neighbourhood as he reportedly shouted out his grievances over delayed pay.

According to the police, the UPDF soldier also shot at two of his fellow UPDF guards at the minister’s home and severely injured them, then he shot Minister Engola and thereafter ended his own life with another gunshot.

Enanga said that the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi and the Director of Criminal Investigations, Assistant Inspector General of Police IGP Tom Magambo rushed to the scene shortly after the incident.

Some eyewitnesses claimed that the soldier was yelling that he had not been paid for a long time while shooting in the air but the police say it is too early to speculate.

Enanga said police are still trying to establish the exact number of other bodyguards injured during the shooting spree.

Yesterday, 01 May, 2023 was the last time that the deceased minister made a public appearance, in the company of his bodyguard, Sabiiti Wilson at Namutumba district for the International Labour Day celebrations, where President Museveni was the guest of honour.

The late Hon. Okello Engola was appointed the State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations in 2021. Earlier, he had served as the Minister of State for Defence from June 2016, replacing General Jeje Odongo. The retired senior UPDF officer who retired at the rank of Colonel, also served as the Oyam District Chairperson before joining Parliament.

He was also the Member of Parliament for Oyam North Constituency in the 11th Parliament (2021-2026).

Mary Prima Awor