KAMPALA – Police authorities in the country have confirmed the shooting and subsequent death of former president of the Uganda Journalist Association – UJA, Robert Kagolo on Thursday night.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesman, Luke Oweyesigire confirmed, late on Thursday that the late Kagolo – the Star Fm Station Manager died on the way to a medical facility, where he was being transferred after an LDU had shot him
Police authorities assert that the former UJA leader was killed in a fracas. The deceased was killed in Kasengejje in Wakiso district at his deceased brother’s home, reportedly following a scuffle with the murderous LDU personnel.
Police said two LDU personnel were deployed at Kagolo’s brother’s home to guard the family premises after his brother’s death and one of them is the person that shot him.
“An LDU guarding his late brother’s home in Kasengejje, shot him,” clarified Oweyesigyire, dismissing allegations that the incident could have been the work of assassins.
It’s said that the late Kagolo, who was at the forefront of arrangements that led to the burial of his brother, Samuel Musiitwa – whom unknown thugs had kidnapped and killed, earlier in the week, disagreed with the murderous LDU – leading to his shooting.
Apparently, the family of Musiitwa, had reportedly requested for protection from police, prompting the deployment of two LDU personnel, who picked a quarrel with Kagolo – shooting and killing him in an ensuing verbal exchange.
“Two LDUs were deployed to guard the home after all family members had left for burial. Unfortunately, today, a scuffle ensued between them and one shot at him. We are yet to establish whether it was intentional or not,” said Oweyesigyire.
The trigger happy LDU personnel has since been identified as Rashid Mamuli, who together with a colleague were arrested to assist in police investigations, according to Oweyesigyire.
“The deceased died on the way to hospital and the two LDUs were arrested to assist in investigations,” said Oweyesigyire.
The death of Kagolo, who has been working at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation – Star Fm outlet as the Production Manager, comes days to the annual World Press Freedom Day – schedule for May 3.
Kagolo, who joined the leadership of UJA as an executive member under the presidency of Ahmed Kateregga Musaazi; rose into the ranks to serve as treasurer during Joshua Kyalimpa’s tenure of office; before taking over as the supreme boss for a two-term of office. He added over to Bashir Kazibwe, who has since handed over to Mathias Rukundo – the incumbent.
Kagolo was a common voice at Super Fm, working closely with the late Mulindwa Muwonge and Charles Bwanika Ssensuwa. When Muwonge fell out with Peter Ssematimba – the late like most other workers, then at the Mengo based station, switched to Star Fm, reportedly on the recommendation of state house.
According to a tentative programme, the body of the late Kagolo will be taken to UBC headquarters on Nile Avenue at Midday on Friday for public viewing, before Mass at St. Stephen Church – Nansana at 4:00pm. Thereafter, a vigil will be held at his home in Nansana ahead of the burial on Saturday at Namabeya Villa, Wamala- Taba Zone in Gomba district, starting at Midday.
