Breaking! State Minister For Labour Charles Engola Shot Dead
The Minister of State for Labour Rtd. Col Charles Engola has been shot dead in an assassination that took place near his home in Kyanja, Kisasi, a Kampala Suburb this morning.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the incident noting that a detailed police statement would come along later.
“Yes, there is a shooting. A soldier has shot his boss,” Owoyesigire said before adding; “He actually shot himself too, we shall come out with a detailed statement in a few minutes.”
According to eyewitnesses, the minister was stepping out of his home, heading to work when one of his bodyguards shot him dead and continued shooting in the air while telling locals who were nearby to clear his way.
The bodyguard yet to be named moved to a nearby Salon and told the occupants to vacate and when the occupants left in fear, he closed the salon and shot himself dead.
There are unconfirmed reports that the soldier shot a fellow bodyguard who has been rushed to hospital.
Several government heads, including the army and police, have descended on Engola’s home. Security minister Jim Muhwezi is among those who have already converged at the home.
Engola’s last public appearance was in Namutumba district to mark International Labour Day on May 1.
About Charles Engola
Charles Okello Macodwogo Engola, was born on October 12, 1958. He was a Ugandan politician and retired Colonel in the Uganda People’s Defence Force.
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.
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 5 (LC V), Oyam District Council Chairmanship, on the ruling NRM political party ticket.
He won in a landslide, winning 93 per cent 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 is the incumbent member of parliament.
On 6 June 2016, Engola was named to the cabinet as State Minister of Defence.
In the cabinet reshuffle of 14 December 2019, Engola retained his portfolio.
At the time of his death, Col. Engola was the State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations.
