Uganda’s Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Colonel Charles Okello Engola, was shot dead on Tuesday by one of his military bodyguards as he was entering his vehicle to work.

Uganda police spokesman, Fred Enanga, said: “The shooting was done by one of the minister’s bodyguards who also fired several shots at close range. The shooter then fled the scene to the trading centre at Kyanja Ring Road where he entered a salon and shot himself.”

The police spokesman added that investigations were in the early stages.

“We have dispatched crime scene experts who will use advanced technology to determine what exactly the cause of the murder was,” he added.

According to a report, eyewitnesses said the soldier complained about non-payment of his wages and mistreatment before he shot himself.

A photo of the crime scene that has gone viral on social media shows the minister’s body in a blue Kaunda suit lying in a pool of blood next to his official car.

The Speaker of Uganda’s parliament confirmed Col Engola’s death in a short statement while presiding over the morning session.

“This morning I received sad news that Hon Engola has been shot by his bodyguard and after, shot himself. May his soul rest in peace.

That was God’s plan. We can’t change anything,” Anita Among told members of Parliament on Tuesday.