IGANGA– Police in Iganga District are hunting to thugs that on Friday night shot and killed Dr Ibrahim Gwaluka, who has been working at Kigandalo Health Centre IV.
According to police, Dr Gwaluka, 31, was shot in his car in his compound in Bulubandi Village, Nakigo Sub-county.
Mr James Mubi, the Busoga East Regional police spokesperson, said the medical doctor at the time of the incident, which occurred around 8 pm, was with his wife but she survived.
“The doctor was killed on spot but his wife whom he was within the car was just beaten up by the thugs before running away,” he said, adding that the motive of the killing is not clear as no property was taken.
According to family members who witnessed the incident, the assailants were already in the compound by the time the doctor’s car entered through the gate.
“It is said that as the car parked, the gunmen approached from in front and opened fire, targeting the doctor,” said of the one family members who refused to be named.
He added: “The woman bent down as gunshots sounded and as the assailants concentrated on the Doctor. She managed to escape and hid in the latrine”.
Mr Swaibu Mpoya, the Bulubandi village chairman, said that the perpetrators were after the doctor’s life as they didn’t take any money or property.
Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima also confirmed the news and said the hunt for assailants in underway.
“We so far do not know the motive behind this act and the killers are still on the run. We request the public to give any clues that can help ease the work of police,” Mr Kayima said.
Dr Gwaluka was a member of the Uganda Medical Association and its president, Dr Ekwaro Obuku, expressed shock at the news.
“It is indeed horrible news for us. The body is currently at Iganga Hospital mortuary. We shall keep you updated,” he said on Saturday.
Dr Gwaluka was the association’s treasurer in Busoga region. At the time of his death, Gwaluka has been pursuing a master’s degree at Makerere University.
The style of killing in this format has become the norm in recent years in Uganda. In September, outspoken police officer Mohammed Kirumira was shot dead by assailants near his home. In June, former Arua Municipality MP Ibrahim Abiriga was killed in the same style.
