Soldier shoots dead politician he was guarding

A Ugandan national army soldier has shot and killed a government minister he was guarding.

Retired Colonel Charles Okello Engola, who was the Deputy Minister for Gender and Labour, was shot at his home on Tuesday morning.

It is not yet clear whether there was an argument between the soldier and Col (rtd) Engola.The soldier, yet to be officially identified, then shot himself dead.

Before turning the gun on himself, some eyewitness said the soldier walked around the neighbourhood shooting in the air.

Initial reports suggest a number of people may be injured and videos on social media showed locals gathering at the scene in shock.

Col (rtd) Engola was a senior government official, and had previously served as a deputy minister for defence.

The Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament confirmed Col (rtd) Engola’s death in a short statement while presiding over the morning session.

“This morning I received sad news that Honourable 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,” Anita Among told Members of Parliament (MPs) on Tuesday.

At least nine people have died in a crowd crush during New Year festivities in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. A number of children were killed in the incident, which unfolded at a shopping centre that hosted a fireworks display.

One eyewitness explained that people – including his friend – suffocated after getting caught between crowds that were moving in opposing directions.

Big gatherings for New Year’s Eve were allowed for the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Kampala police said people had attended a concert at Freedom City Mall in large numbers.

A crowd surge was said to occur when partygoers tried to head back inside – having gone outdoors to see the midnight fireworks.

Five people – described as “mostly children, juveniles” – were said to have been killed after Special Security forces in Uganda shot dead a Muslim cleric accused of working with an armed group linked to suicide bombings in the capital, Kampala. -BBC