By Sylvia
The Uganda People’s Defense [UPDF], have accorded a solemn army sendoff to Pte Wilson Sabiiti who gunned down State minister for Labor Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola, before taking his own life on May 2, 2023.
Pte Sabiti’s body, was today Tuesday May 23, 2023 handed over to the family after three weeks of waiting in vain.
On the very day, his body was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Mubali Kijura town council.
Body accorded three gun’s salute
As part of their custom, the army men honored their own with the three-gun salute, a ceremonial act performed at military and police funerals as part of the drill and ceremony of the honor guard.
It also consists of a rifle party firing blank cartridges into the air three times.
It should however be remembered, that The UPDF spokesperson, Brig Felix Kulayigye early this month said the army was not mandated to bury an officer who commits suicide or an act like Sabiiti did.
The development, is a change of heart by the Ugandan army who had initially indicated that they would not participate in the burial of one of their own.
Sabiti family to access his benefits
WhileEurogizing the Engola killer, Maj Micheal Tuliraba who represented UPDF from Bombo Military barracks, said that Sabiti deserved an official send off since he was a serving officer.
He stated that Sabiti’s family is going to get his benefits but only known relatives that are documented will be able to access this.
In their funeral speech, sabiti’s family members have asked the government to quicken the process of remitting his benefits since his children urgently need help, arguing that the late has been the family breadwinner.
The LC1, of the area, attributed the current killings to poor working environment among Ugandans who are also paid a small sum of 100,000 to 200,000 Shs, which doesn’t match their efforts.
Joram Bintamanya, who spoke on behalf of Sabiti’s friends, acknowledged the fact that Currently Ugandans are hungry and angry, appealing to President Museveni to give an ear to people’s Out cries.
Previously
Notably, Sabiti’s family had got stuck with the empty grave for about three weeks, without any updates of their Son’s body’s whereabouts.
Some of the relatives revealed to us that Someof mourners who had initially gathered at home have since disappeared.
Meanwhile, the burial was attended by different dignitaries including members of parliament ,local government leaders, activists among others.
