Two weeks later, Sabiiti’s body still held by UPDF over ‘investigations’

KAMPALA, UGANDA: The family of the late Private Wilson Sabiiti will have to wait more for the remains of their child after over two weeks now since the incident in which he shot and killed Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola, the State Minister for Labour, before later turning the gun on himself.

Whereas the minister’s burial (whom he killed) was last Saturday, May 13, at Awangi Village in Oyam District, The remains of Sabiiti are still being held by the army and pending a return to his ancestral home to be accorded a decent burial.

Sabiiti, 33, had just been assigned to the minister’s security detail a month ago before he killed him. To date, his body remains under investigation at Bombo Military Hospital.

The UPDF spokesperson, Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye says the army is still investigating the motives and circumstances surrounding Sabiiti’s death, and his body will only be released for burial after critical investigations are done.

“Sabiiti’s body will be released to his family once our investigation is complete,” he stated adding that UPDF is responsible for the burial of soldiers but in Sabiiti’s case, they will not carry out the burial.

“The law does not permit us to conduct a burial for someone who has committed suicide,” Kulayigye explained.

At the deceased’s ancestral home in Mubali Village, Kijura Town Council in Kabarole District, family members continue to express discontentment and frustration with the government saying they are left in the blank without knowing the next course of action.

Ms Oliver Musiimenta, the deceased’s sister, said they have made burial preparations but do not know when this will take place. “We resolved to construct the grave last Friday and it was completed on Sunday. But as of today, I have not received any information regarding any burial arrangement for my brother,” she said.

Eric Sanyu, a family friend and local leader says the grave that was dug and built at a cost of Shs620,000 using money raised by the residents remains idle after now two weeks of waiting.

“The family of Sabiiti is currently constrained. They have been feeding people and need financial help. They have run out of food to feed mourners and some relatives decided to go back to their homes, promising to come back on the day of the burial,” he said.

Meanwhile the Member of Parliament for Burahya County which covers the deceased’s area, Mr Steven Kagwera yesterday revealed that they have been following up on the matter with the government.

“I will be going to his home to talk to the family either today (yesterday) or tomorrow (today). We are expecting feedback from the government on when the body will be released,” Mr Kagwera said.