KAMPALA-The territorial police in Kampala Metropolitan, is actively investigating the tragic murder by shooting of the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Rtd. Col. Charles Okello Engola, by his home bodyguard, identified as Pte. Wilson Sabiiti, which occurred at the Minister’s home in Kyanja, on May 2, 2023 at around 9am.
According to the police, the bodyguard fired multiple shots at close range and killed the minister as he was entering his official vehicle. The minister who subscribed to the ruling National Resistance Movement [died] at the scene.
The suspect also shot and wounded the ADC, Lt. Ronald Otim, before fleeing to Kyanja trading center on foot, where he entered into a salon and shot himself dead.
Police say 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. The DIGP and a team of Directors have visited the scene and extended heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, friends and relatives,” Fred Enanga, the police spokesman said.
“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.”
Col Engola had previously served as a deputy minister for defence.
The Speaker of Uganda Parliament Anita Among confirmed Col Engola’s death in a short statement while presiding over the morning session.
“This morning I received sad news that Hon. Engola has been shot by his bodyguard and after, shot himself. May his soul rest in peace. That was God’s plan. We can’t change anything,” Among told MPs on Tuesday.
Engola, commonly known as Charles Okello -Engola, was an Ugandan politician and retired Colonel in the Uganda People’s Defence Force.
He was born to Chief [Jago] Nasan Engola and Ketula Engola of Awangi, in Iceme, Oyam district. He was the grandson of Rwot Olong Adilo, and great grandson of Rwot Olwa Abelli of Iceme.
He was appointed to the position of minister of state for defense on 6 June 2016, replacing General Jeje Odongo, who was appointed Cabinet Minister of Internal Affairs. He served as the Member of Parliament representing Oyam North County in the 10th Parliament.
He succumbed to his injuries after allegedly being shot on sight by his personal bodyguard who escaped being prosecuted and possible conviction for murder by shooting himself to death.
Background
Engola’s parents were Nathan Engola and Ketula Engola. His father was a well known and respected chief in Lango. Engola was born on October 12, 1958 in present-day Oyam District. Career
While in the military, Engola was the commander of UPDF 501 Brigade, headquartered at Opit, in Gulu district. The brigade played a role in fighting the Lord’s Resistance Army [LRA]. He was promoted to the rank of colonel and retired from the military in 2007.
During the 2006 national election cycle, Engola successfully contested for the Local Council LCV, Oyam District Council Chairmanship, on the ruling NRM political party ticket. He won in a landslide, winning 93 percent of the vote. He was re-elected in 2011 and served as the LCV Chair for Oyam District for a continuous 10 years, from 2006. In 2016 he won the Oyam North parliamentary seat and was the incumbent member of parliament for the County before he died.
On June 6, 2016, Engola was named to the cabinet as State Minister of Defence. In the cabinet reshuffle of 14 December 14, 2019, Engola retained his portfolio.
At the time of his death/ murder, he was serving as the State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial relations.
https://thecooperator.news/minister-engola-urges-oyam-residents-to-embrace-pdm/
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