Political assassinations that shocked Ugandans

Well orchestrated assassinations have been part of a heated political arena, globally, and over the last couple of years -- they have somewhat re-occured in Uganda -- whose political echelon hasn't changed for the last 32 years.

From gruesome murder of religious leaders to the high-level killing of some political elements in the country -- the murder of somewhat popular political personalities remains a mystery -- with even the country's security operatives left with hazy ideas of recollection of trends that lead to the cause of these deaths.

With little or no leads to the perpetrators of these well-orchestrated crimes, the assassination of these popular political players shocked the majority of Ugandans.

Ibrahim Abiriga, Arua Municipality MP

President Kaguta Museveni's controversial loyalist Ibrahim Abiriga was killed in June, together with his bodyguard, just near his residence in Kawanda, Wakiso District.

Unknown gun-wielding assailants riddled his yellow VW beetle car with bullets before riding off on a motorcycle.

Abiriga's controversy tenure in the 10th Parliament started even before being elected as Arua Municipality MP. The former rebel's academic qualifications were challenged in a court of being minimum of what is required for one to vie for a parliamentary seat.

Love for party

Abiriga's representation of his political party, NRM, in Parliament attracted attention to his tenure in the August House.

His unique dress style of yellow Kaunda suits manifested how deep-rooted the 62-year-old was into his political party.

His unmatched loyalty for Museveni, Uganda's president since 1986, put him in line to support the controversial amendment of Article 102(b) -- which sought to abolish presidential age limit -- paving way for Museveni, 74, to extend his term in office.

After Parliament voted in favour of the amendment, Abiriga said he was fearing for his life over his support for the controversial removal of presidential age limits.

Also Read: Kadaga calls for immediate investigations of Abiriga's assassination

More controversy

The outspoken former rebel had won the hearts of some Ugandans through his controversial way of living.

In 2017, Abiriga was pictured urinating on the wall of the Ministry of Finance in Kampala causing a social media uproar.

He was summoned by Kampala City Hall court and charged after admitting to urinating in a public place.

His act was against Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) maintenance law and order ordinance, 2016 -- and was later fined UGX40,000.

Abiriga's killers have never been arrested up to date as security operatives continue with investigations.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Muhammad Kirumira

Former Buyende District Police Commander Muhammad Kirumira was shot dead in September near his residence in Bulenga.

The 35-year-old was killed three months after Abiriga's assassination -- in a similar style.

ASP Kirumira was riding in his car with a female friend when motorcycle-riding gunmen sprayed their car with bullets.

His shocking death came at a time when he was battling trumped up charges and being demoted by the police disciplinary court in Naguru.

Earlier, Kirumira was facing several charges, including extortion, abuse of office, bribery and unlawful use of authority -- which were later dropped.

Kirumira has accused the top police echelon of witch-hunting him in a moved he described as aimed at tarnishing his name.

Maverick

Often described as a 'maverick police officer', Kirumira's rise to the authority's high level and popularity was based on how he helped communities curb organised crimes -- by going against organised gang groups.

His effective operations came at a cost as he was accused of using his authority to misuse his office and extort suspects he would arrest.

The outspoken police officer had announced his retirement from the Uganda police office by the time of his death.

Also Read: The legacy of Kirumira that earned him admirers and enemies

Kirumira had also announced that he had plans to contest as a member of parliament in 2021.

His dream of truthfully legislating for people came crashing on September 8th when unmasked gunmen pulled the trigger to end his life.

Several arrests have been made in connection to his assassination but there hasn't been a conclusive report.