Ugandan Minister of State for the Vice Presidency, Dr Baltazar Kasirivu-Atwooki, has this morning survived what looks like an assassination attempt by gunmen who fired shots at his vehicle in an ambush.
Dr Kasirivu, a Member of Parliament from Bugangaizi West, was allegedly attacked at about 1am at Kakora village, Nyalweyo town council in Kakumiro District, a few kilometres away from his home.
Dr Kasirivu, was in his vehicle returning from a radio programme at Emambya FM in Kakumiro Town, when over eight bullets riddled through the vehicle.
He and his driver escaped unhurt as the driver sped away from the scene.
The Minister of State for the Vice Presidency said that he survived because of God’s mercy. He suspects that the attack is politically motivated ahead of the country’s general elections which come up tomorrow.
“They almost finished our lives. As we were approaching my home at a swampy place, unknown people who were armed with guns opened fire on us. As gunfire raged, I told the driver to speed off and that is how we escaped unhurt. I don’t know who was behind this attack but I have informed the police. It was a miracle for me to survive,” he said.
The minister’s driver, who also doubles as his bodyguard, said the two gunmen who laid ambush on them were firing from both sides of the car.
The Kakumiro District Police Commander, Mr Twaha Buyinza said investigations into the ambush and assassination attempt have begun.
“I can confirm that there was a shooting at the minister’s car but we immediately dispatched police from Nyalweyo and more police officers are going to be dispatched to the scene of the crime to investigate the matter,” he said.
After losing in the September 2020 NRM party primary elections, Dr Kasirivu is now vying for Bugangaizi West MP seat on an independent ticket. He challengers are Fred Byamukama of President Museveni’s NRM and Annet Kusingura an independent candidate.
