I have no clue about the motive of this attack – Gen Katumba

Outgoing Works and Transport minister, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, says he still does not know the motive of the attempt on his life by unknown assailants on Tuesday, which ended the life of his 32-year-old daughter and driver.

Gen Katumba was also injured on the left and right arms.

The former army commander narrates that “some terrorists” tried to assassinate him while en route to his mother-in-law’s vigil.

“I survived, but my dear daughter Brenda Nantongo Katumba and my driver Kayondo Haruna died at the crime scene. There was no reason to end the lives of these innocent people. May their souls rest in peace,” Gen Katumba said Wednesday morning in a statement posted on his Twitter handle.

Five assailants trailed Gen Katumba’s official vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser Reg. No. H4DF 2138 from his home at Bulabira in Najeera to Kisota Road in Kulambiro where they intercepted them.

The assailants on three motorcycles had concealed number plates and were wearing masks. They shot at the vehicle from the right-hand side.

One of the criminals was reportedly shot in the leg by Gen Katumba’s bodyguard, Sgt. Khalid Koboyoit, but managed to take off. The suspects have not yet been identified.
President Museveni, however, says security already have clues to the killers but didn’t disclose the details.

“My injuries are not alarming. I had surgery last evening, and one of the bullets was removed. However, because of how the other bullet affected my arteries, it was not removed, and the doctors will advise on the way forward,” Gen Katumba says.

After the shooting, Gen Katumba was first rushed to Malcolm Clinic in Kisaasi, a Kampala suburb for first aid treatment before being transferred to Medipal International Hospital in Kololo, where he is currently admitted.

“I would like in a special way to thank the Boda Boda man who forced me on his motorcycle so that I can go and get first aid. In the same spirit, I would thank Malcolm Healthcare Kisaasi for everything they did to stop the bleeding. That first aid helped so much,” the General said.

Gen Katumba also thanked President Museveni for the care he has shown him all through: “His phone calls are some of the reasons I am still fighting on.”
 
“I want to thank all Ugandans for the love and messages you have been sending my way. I promise to keep fighting for my life. I pray that one day soon, the terrorists that tried to assassinate me and took the lives of my daughter Brenda and driver Haruna will be brought to book. For God and my Country,” he said.