Minister Engola’s demise sparks international debate on bodyguards' welfare

The shocking news of the murder of the minister at his home in Kyanja, a Kampala suburb, spread quickly around the world and was met with a mix of commiserations and calls for better treatment of people’s guards.

Nigerian Youtuber, Ichie Tombo, in a video with nearly half a million views, warns that armed bodyguards who are struggling mentally and financially, might look at the gun as a last resort.

“This should be a lesson to African politicians; you are stealing from the people; the person that is protecting you with a gun you have refused to pay him salary. Is that not wickedness?” he said.

Obira Sheed, another Nigerian tweeted, “Nigerian leaders should start to do the right thing; this is a warning shot and soon it will be here to stay.”

From Jamaica, Jack Mandora sent out condolences to Minister Engola’s family, but warned against ignoring the welfare of bodyguards.

“Who gonna guard the bodyguard? That was a very popular rebel song. But is it not the bodyguard who is at risk?... Same way former Indian Prime Minister Indira Ghandi was killed by her bodyguard. People closest can hurt you most."

Amos Chiromo from Zimbabwe tweeted, “...if the gap between the bosses and their guards is too big, you should expect more of the accidental discharges.”

From Tanzania, one Prof. Boman said, “This should be a lesson to public servants especially heads of departments and units, directors of public institutions and Councils, and various leaders in all the parts of the Government in the United Republic of Tanzania. There are those who think they are gods in the way they treat others, but that's not the case.”

In Uganda, Minister Engola’s death has reportedly sent panic among fellow cabinet members, with some calling for all guards to be sent for training.

Daily Monitor yesterday quoted a number of ministers urging the government to urgently commission psychological evaluations of their bodyguards to eliminate the risk of mental instability which could endanger the principals’ lives.

Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, while speaking from the murder scene, said a lot of emphasis needs to be put on addressing mental health issues among members of the armed forces.

“I think we have to go much deeper and look into the mental status of the people around us because what happened to our brother can happen to any of us. We cannot avoid bodyguards because of the kind off work that we do.”

Ugandan comedians too, did not wish to be left out of the debate, as some predicted an instant change of behavior among government officials.

“These are tough times now; every big person with a bodyguard, if you have lunch at the Sheraton, you better share it with your bodyguard. If your kids go to Aga Khan, your bodyguard’s should be going to Buddo,” advised comedian KatsUg.

His TikTok has since raked over 220k views and a plethora of opinions on the matter.