Outgoing Works Minister Gen Edward Katumba Wamala who survived assassination attempt this morning has said he is safe and he will be fine.
In a video recording posted on social media, Gen Wamala said God has given him a second chance to live. He says he didn’t sustain bad injuries but lost blood as shots caught the arm.
The former Army Commander sustained injuries today morning after unknown assailants sprayed his vehicle a Toyota Land Cruiser under Reg No.H4DF2138 with bullets killing his daughter Brenda and driver Haruna Kayondo on spot. The incident happened along Kisota Road, Bukoto in Kamapala. He was later rushed to Medipal hospital with injuries.
“I will be fine. I survived. God has given me a second chance. Don’t worry I don’t have bad injuries but only in the arms. But I will be fine” Gen Katumba said adding that doctors are working on him.
He appealed for prayer to his wife who he says is in a terrible state. Katumba also asked those who want to visit him to do so.
Earlier, President Museveni condoled Gen Katumba and described the assailants as “pigs who do not value life.”
“The pigs who do not value life shot at Gen. Katumba killed his daughter and driver and injured him. Condolences on the loss of the two Ugandans. I talked to Gen. Katumba twice on the phone. He is being well-managed. I wish Gen. Katumba a quick recovery.
Museveni however said it was wrong for the bodyguard to opt to scaring away the assailants instead of killing them.
“The bodyguard should not have shot in the air. He should have shot to kill. We could be having a dead terrorist instead of scaring away the terrorists. His shooting saved Gen. Katumba by scaring the criminals away.”
A statement from Uganda Police said the assailants were 4 in number and were riding on two motorcycles with concealed number plates before they pulled up next to Gen Katumba Wamala’s car and shot several bullets that instantly killed Nantogo Brenda and Haruna Kayondo.
The statement notes that a team of experts from the directorate of CID and Forensic thoroughly documented the scene for traces of evidence. Police said the exact motivation towards the targeted shooting is not yet established.
“We consider such attacks as a form of organized crime, with a potential of extremism, aimed at undermining the prevailing stability. We are however, confident that we shall identify the suspects and take very resolute enforcement action against them in accordance with the law. And further warn those individuals and groups already drawn into these acts of terrorism, that we shall definitely track them down for further prosecution in the courts of law.” The joint security team stated.