The family of the late Col (rtd) Charles Okello Engola, former State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, intend to drag the Government of Uganda to court seeking Shs200bn compensation.
Engola, who was also Oyam North Mp, was killed in cold blood by his own guard, Private Wilson Sabiiti last year in May.
Sabiiti was allegedly frustrated over poor and delayed pay by the Government, according to reports from residents who saw him fire shots in the air as he shouted his frustrations. This was after murdering Engola.
Residents said he later entered a nearby salon and took his own life.
This publication has learnt that the family now wants Shs200bn compensation from the government.
They aver that the government is vicariously liable for the death of Engola since Private Wilson was a government employee and at the same time used the state property (a gun) to kill the former.
They further opine that the guard’s (a government employee) actions deprived the deceased’s right to life while at the same time deprived his family of their right to family and a father when he was unlawfully killed.
The family also argues that the acts of the guard (government employee) caused them mental anguish, shock, suffering and loss of amenities for which they seek compensation for damages (special, punitive and general), loss of expectation of life and earnings, loss of dependency, loss of parentage, and interests.
This publication understands that the office of the Attorney General has already been notified and we have contacted them for a comment.
In Lango, traditionally, when murders like that of Engola, where his bodyguard, Private Wilson Sabiiti executed him, occur, the clan to which the perpetrator belongs is required to pay blood compensation as a way of reconciling the two factions.
This compensation usually involves seven cows, goats, and some money, depending on a number of other factors.
However, during the official send off of the late Engola which was held at Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds, the children said they had forgiven the former’s killer, Sabiiti.
It seems the children have now decided to pursue the government for a bigger compensation envelope.
We are told at the forefront of this government compensation legal battle is the late Engola’s son, Samuel Okello Engola Junior who tried to replace his father in Parliament but lost the by-election to UPC’s Eunice Otuko Apio.
Family members are still divided over this move with some saying dialogue with the government would have been a better option rather than facing off in court.