Gulu University lecturer shot dead by security guard

Isaiah Okidi was shot dead by a guard

GULU- A Gulu University lecturer attached to the Kitgum branch has been shot dead by a private security guard over unclear circumstances.

The assailant was employed by Security Group Uganda Ltd

Police reported that Isaiah Okidi, a lecturer in the faculty of Education and Humanities was shot at about 8:20 pm on Sunday at Hotel Free Zone building, close to DFCU Bank in Gulu Municipality.

Aswa Regional Police Spokesperson Jimmy Patrick Okema on Monday confirmed describing it as unfortunate.

He said police responded to an emergency call about the shooting near a DFCU Bank ATM and found the deceased lying in a pool of blood in the middle of the road.

Mr Okema said the deceased who was shot once in the chest died while being transported to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.

He said the guard fled the scene but was arrested from his hiding place near FINCA Microfinance Bank Ltd in Gulu town.

Police recovered a SAR gun with four rounds of ammunition from the suspect.

"We have registered a case of murder by shooting under CRB2338/2016. We are carrying out investigations on what led the suspect to shoot at the lecturer," Mr Okema said.

Mr Okema said information from eyewitnesses reveals that the suspect had an argument about a motorcycle that was parked in the middle of the road near DFCU bank.

“We got information that the security guard asked the deceased whether the motorcycle he was about to ride belonged to him before accusing him of trying to steal it. What happened later was unclear.  However, we have recovered the motorcycle though has no numbe plate,” Mr Okema said.

Mr Okema said they have also arrested another security guard who was on duty to help with the investigations.

This is the second time a lecturer attached to the university being shot dead.

In June 2014, Andrew Rackara, a financial accounting lecturer of the same university was shot dead by armed men.