Pics: Sombre mood in Parliament as Late Minister Engola‘s lifeless body arrives to lie in State
A dark cloud hoovers around Parliament as the casket carrying the remains of the former State Minister for Labour late Charles Engola lies in State.
Legislators will hold a special sitting for the deceased in the August house, to pay special tribute to him at 2pm. Members of the public and other invited guests will be present.
Pics: Sombre mood in Parliament as Late Minister Engola’s lifeless body arrives to lie in State
The body has been received by Speaker Anita Annet Among, 3rd Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadaama, Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development – Betty Amongi, and Govt Chief Whip – Hamson Obua among others.
The casket containing the body was wheeled into Parliament by the UPDF pallbearers to the South Wing’s main lobby before being moved to the chambers for the House session.
Engola, 64; was shot and killed at his home on 2 May 2023 by his principal bodyguard and UPDF officer identified as Private Wilson Sabiiti.
The incident that happened in Kyanja, Wakiso as the Minister was headed out of his residence to work.
The soldier fired several bullets at his boss, killing him on the spot before proceeding to the trading center at Kyanja ring-road while firing several bullets in the air. He would later turn the gun onto himself at a nearby saloon.
Pics: Sombre mood in Parliament as Late Minister Engola’s lifeless body arrives to lie in State
He later walked into Shamo Unisex saloon neighbouring a stationary shop where he further ordered all the occupants to vacate the place before shooting himself dead.
At the time of his death, Engola was serving as the State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations and led government officials on 1 May 2023 in commemoration of the International Labour Day in Namutumba District.
In the military, Engola served as the commander of UPDF 501 Brigade, headquartered at Opit, in Gulu District. The brigade played a role in fighting the infamous Lord’s Resistance Army. He was promoted to the rank of colonel and later retired from active service in 2007.
In 2006, Engola successfully contested the Local Council 5, 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 local council Chair for Oyam District for 10 years, from 2006. In 2016 he won the Oyam North parliamentary seat.
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.
Pics: Sombre mood in Parliament as Late Minister Engola’s lifeless body arrives to lie in State
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Compiled by Zainab Ali
