Public Service Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala has told the International Crimes Division of the High Court how gunmen ambushed his vehicle in 2021, killing his daughter and driver and leaving him seriously injured.
Gen. Katumba gave an emotional account before a panel of four judges—Susan Okalany, Richard Wejuli Wabwire, Dr. Winifred Nabisinde and Vincent Wagona—who are hearing a case against several suspects accused of terrorism, murder and attempted murder.
He explained that on June 1, 2021, he left his home in Bulabira with his daughter Brenda Nantongo, his driver Haruna Kayondo and his bodyguard, heading to Najjanankumbi. Along the way, there were no signs of danger until their vehicle reached Kisota Road near a speed hump.
Katumba said he first heard a loud bang which he initially thought was an accident, only to realise moments later that it was gunfire coming from different directions.
According to his testimony, his daughter was shot first and collapsed as the attackers continued firing at the vehicle. He was also hit in both shoulders during the attack.
He told court that he managed to crawl out of the car and took cover behind a wheel, together with his bodyguard, as the attackers continued shooting before fleeing on motorcycles.
After the shooting stopped, his bodyguard helped him to a nearby poultry structure where he briefly hid while bleeding heavily. He later returned to the roadside where members of the public had gathered.
Katumba said he was initially hesitant to accept help from boda boda riders because the attackers had used motorcycles, but one rider convinced him and took him to a nearby clinic for first aid before he was transferred to a better-equipped hospital.
He later underwent further treatment, including surgeries abroad, and continues to go for medical reviews.
The minister told court that the attack changed his life, noting that he now lives more cautiously despite previously being free and open with the public.
His bodyguard, now Lt. Khalid Kuboit, also testified, saying he returned fire during the attack but could not clearly identify the assailants because they had covered their faces.
A boda boda rider who helped rescue Katumba also appeared in court as a prosecution witness.
The suspects in the case have been on remand since 2021 and face multiple charges including terrorism, murder and attempted murder linked to several attacks in Kampala and other areas.
Prosecution alleges that the group was involved in a series of violent crimes and had connections to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Investigators reportedly recovered firearms and other materials believed to have been used in past attacks.
