Politics 5 August 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Gen. Katumba Wamala Details 2021 Assassination Attempt in Court Testimony
Public Service Minister General Edward Katumba Wamala emotionally recounted the 2021 assassination attempt that claimed his daughter and driver, describing the harrowing moments of the attack and his subsequent injuries before the International Crimes Division of the High Court. Source: https://observer.ug/news/gen-katumba-recounts-2021-assassination-attempt-that-killed-daughter-and-driver
Minister of Public Service, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, has provided a deeply emotional account of the June 1, 2021, assassination attempt that resulted in the deaths of his daughter, Brenda Nantongo Wamala, and his driver, Sgt. Haruna Kayondo. Testifying before a panel of judges at the International Crimes Division of the High Court, Gen. Katumba described how gunfire erupted from multiple directions as he traveled to a funeral preparation.
He recounted hearing what he initially mistook for a boda boda accident before realizing his vehicle was under heavy fire. Gen. Katumba described how his daughter was the first to be hit, falling onto his lap while calling out to Jesus. He sustained gunshot wounds to his right and left shoulders, shattering his left arm, while his bodyguard, then Sgt. Khalid Kuboit, also suffered injuries.
Despite his severe injuries, Gen. Katumba managed to crawl out of the vehicle and take cover. He later received assistance from a boda boda rider who, despite initial fears due to the attackers’ use of motorcycles, helped transport him and Sgt. Kuboit to a local clinic for first aid. He was subsequently transferred to Medipal International Hospital for specialized treatment, including surgery to remove a bullet and stabilize his shattered arm with metal implants.
Gen. Katumba told the court that the attack has permanently altered his life, leading to a heightened sense of security and a changed perspective. He continues to undergo medical check-ups every six months for monitoring.
The testimony comes as the prosecution nears the close of its case against six men accused of terrorism, murder, and aggravated robbery in connection with the attack and other incidents. The accused have been on remand since 2021. The prosecution alleges the group is linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and involved in a series of murders, robberies, and attempted murders across Uganda and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Forensic analysis has reportedly linked recovered firearms to previous high-profile assassinations.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)