KAMPALA, Uganda — Joe Nam, a former journalist who previously worked with the New Vision has been shot dead in what police describe as a targeted attack carried out by a masked gunman who fled the scene immediately after the incident.
According to preliminary security reports, the victim was approached by an unidentified individual wearing a face mask before being shot at close range. The suspect reportedly escaped on foot or by unknown means, and has not yet been apprehended.
Police say the attack occurred in a populated area, prompting panic among nearby residents who rushed to the scene after hearing gunfire. The victim was pronounced dead shortly after emergency responders arrived.
A senior police spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the investigation, said officers are treating the incident as a suspected assassination-style killing.
“We are actively pursuing leads, reviewing possible surveillance footage, and speaking to witnesses who may have seen the suspect before and after the shooting,” the officer said. “At this stage, the motive has not been confirmed.”
Security teams have since cordoned off the area as forensic experts examine the scene for evidence, including shell casings and possible fingerprints or trace material left behind by the attacker.
The fact that the suspect was reportedly masked has raised concerns among investigators about premeditation and planning. Criminal analysts note that face coverings are often used in targeted attacks to reduce the chances of identification.
“This level of concealment suggests intent to avoid detection,” a security analyst in Kampala said. “It also complicates immediate identification, which is critical in the early hours of an investigation.”
Colleagues and media professionals have expressed shock at the killing of the former journalist, describing him as someone who remained engaged in public communication and media circles even after leaving active newsroom work.
Authorities have urged the public to share any information that may assist in identifying the suspect, while emphasizing that investigations are still at an early stage.
No arrests have been made so far, and the motive behind the killing remains unclear.
