Journalist Kagolo Shot Dead by LDU after Scuffle, Police Say

UBC journalist, Robert Kagolo was killed by Local Defense Unit (LDU) personnel after a scuffle at a brother’s home, according to police.

The deceased was gunned down Thursday evening at his brother’s home in Kasengejje in Wakiso District. Initial reports indicated that he had been killed by unknown assassins but police has since clarified that the shooting was done by an LDU who has already been arrested.

It is reported that at the time of the incident, Kagolo had returned the orphans of his late brother who was reportedly kidnapped and killed a few days ago.

According to Kampala metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigire, the LDU who has been identified as Mamuli Rashid, is one of the two personnsl who were guarding the home of Kagolo’s brother. He says the scuffle ensued on Thursday evening between the deceased and the LDU before the latter shot at him.

“It is alleged that his family had asked for security from the LDU commander and two LDUs were given to them to guard their home since all family members had left for burial,” says Owoyesigire.

“Unfortunately today, a scuffle ensued between them and one shot at him, we don’t know whether it was intentional or not,” he added.

However, Owoyesigire did no explain what scuffle the LDU and journalist were involved in.

He said Kagolo did not die on the spot but instead breathed his last while being rushed to St. Joseph hospital Wakiso.

The two LDUs are “already arrested by the Police working with the LDU management. Investigations are ongoing.”

Kagolo, a renowned and experienced journalist, is a former President of the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) and has been working with  UBC Star FM as an on air presenter and news editor.

Several people including colleague journalists have reacted to news of his passing on, describing it as sad and heartbreaking. Many say he has been a calm, hardworking and friendly person.

Naku John, a Journalist said, “Am speechless. Robert was a humble man who didn’t deserve such a brutal end to his precious life. He has a very young family. Its unbelievable. I remember serving on the very Executive you steered for two consecutive terms. Till we meet again. May the angels receive you comrade.”

Steven Dunstan Busuulwa, Journalist with BBS Terefayina, “Kitalo (It is a pity). I talked to him yesterday as he narrated to me how his brother was abducted and finally killed.”

Kazibwe Bashir Mbaziira, another former UJA president and Kawempe South MP elect, “Same sad story…..Kitalo nyo banange.”