Uganda elections: Minister survives assassination attempt
- Minister of State for the Vice-Presidency Baltazar Kasirivu-Atwooki was ambushed by gunmen a few kilometres from his house
- He said together with his bodyguard who was driving, they escaped unhurt after he asked him to speed off
- According to him, the assassination attempt was politically motivated
Uganda's Minister of State for the Vice-Presidency Baltazar Kasirivu-Atwooki has survived an assassination attempt in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 13, by gunmen who shot at his vehicle in an ambush.
Source: UGC
The minister was ambushed by the gunmen at around 1am in Kakora village, Nyalweyo town council in Kakumiro District, a few kilometres away from his house,
A report by Daily Monitor showed Kasirivu who is also the Bugangaizi West Member of Parliament, was allegedly picked up by gunmen when he was returning from a radio program at Emambya FM in Kakumiro Town.
“They almost finished our lives. As we were approaching my home at a swampy place, unknown people who were armed with guns opened fire on us. As gunfire raged, I told the driver to speed off and that is how we escaped unhurt," said the minister.
"I do not know who was behind this attack but I have informed the police. It was a miracle for me to survive,” he added.
He escaped unhurt, along with his driver with Kasirivu saying he survived by the Grace of God.
He believes that the attack was politically motivated ahead of the general elections set for Thursday, January 14.
His bodyguard who was driving the car at the same time said the ambush was laid by about two gunmen who were shooting from either side.
Twaha Buyinza, the Kakumiro District Police Commander, confirmed there was a shooting at the minister's vehicle, adding that police investigations had begun.
“I can confirm that there was a shooting at the minister’s car but we immediately dispatched police from Nyalweyo and more police officers are going to be dispatched to the scene of the crime to investigate the matter,” he said.
Kasirivu is vying for Bugangaizi West MP's seat on an independent ticket after losing his seat in the September 2020 NRM primary election.
He faces Fred Byamukama of NRM and Annet Kusingura who is an independent candidate.
Source: YEN.com.gh
