Hundreds receive former minister Engola’s body in Oyam 

The body of the late former minister of state for Labour, Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola has arrived in his home district of Oyam. 

The body left Kampala on a Uganda People’s Defense Air Forces (UPDAF) chopper and landed at Lira airfield in Lira city where hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their last respects. The North Kyoga police brass band, cultural, and religious leaders were among those who welcomed the body.

Moses Omara Anyii, chairperson of the burial organizing committee in Lira said the stopover visit was meant to give the residents an opportunity to view the deceased. Considering the high number of mourners expected, Anyii advised locals to use tomorrow Friday to view the body.

The chopper left for Oyam 30 minutes later, where it landed at Anyeke primary school playground, a few meters away from Oyam Boma ground where hundreds of mourners had gathered. Security was jointly deployed both on the ground and at Engola’s home to ensure safety. 

Innocent Mubangizi, Oyam district police commander said the deployment is meant to avert any security threat. A joint council meeting of local government councils from Acholi, Lango, and West Nile will be held later in the day in honour of Engola before the final burial on Saturday.

Engola was shot dead on the morning of May 2 by his army bodyguard Pte Wilson Sabiiti after a quarrel over allowances.