President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met yesterday with the families of the late Col. (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola Macodwogo and the late Zebra Ssenyange, both of whom were mistakenly killed by officers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Hon. Engola served as the Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, while Mr. Ssenyange was a former professional boxer.
The meeting was held at State House Entebbe, where President Museveni, as the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, invited the families of the victims to formally extend an apology on behalf of the army, the entity whose officers were responsible for the tragic incidents.
Col. (Rtd) Engola was shot and killed by his bodyguard, UPDF soldier Wilson Sabiti, on the morning of May 2, 2023, at his home in Kyanja, a suburb of Kampala.
Zebra Ssenyange, who was not only a boxer and trainer but also a National Resistance Movement (NRM) mobilizer, was killed by army officers on patrol during the early hours of December 30, 2020, at his home in Bwaise, Kawempe Division.
President Museveni once again expressed his condolences to both families and provided financial support.
During the meeting, prayers were offered by the National Leadership of Born-Agains (Balokole) from Lira district, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness, reflecting the teachings of Jesus on the cross.
The family of the late Engola was led by his brother, Mr. Sam Engola, who thanked President Museveni for organizing such a significant meeting. He was accompanied by the widow, Ms. Joyce Ayikoru, relatives, and cultural elders from the Otikokin clan.
The family of the late Zebra Ssenyange was led by his son, Isaac Ssenyange, along with his siblings and the widow, Ms. Mercy Mukankusi.
The Deputy Chief of Defense Forces (D/CDF), Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, represented the Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at the event.
On behalf of the UPDF, Lt. Gen. Okiding sincerely apologized and conveyed condolences to the victims’ families, who graciously accepted the apology
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