Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Col (rtd) Dr. Kiiza Besigye has described Abiriga murder as ‘senseless’ asking Ugandans to “prepare to take necessary action to end this.”
Ibrahim Abiriga has become the latest addition on the long, unresolved list of prominent officials, clerics, citizens and businessmen that have been assassinated in drive-by shootings involving mostly boda-bodas.
Prosecutor Joan Kagezi, AIGP Felix Kaweesi together with his bodyguard and driver, Major Suleiman Kiggundu and host of Moslem Sheiks were also murdered under almost similar circumstances.
It is reported that Abiriga who was shot with his bodyguard was heading home in Kawanda, Wakiso district. Police spokesman Emilian Kayima confirmed the shooting calling it “unfortunate.”
Eulogies show mixed feelings among Ugandans
The Matooke Republic is since gotten mixed reactions from Ugandans with some eulogizing him as a good statesman and patriot while others are – at the risk of sounding indelicate – celebratory.
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Henry Okello Oryem, described Abiriga as “a real patriot and true statesman.”
Don Wanyama, the presidential press secretary called Abiriga’s shooting “the most senseless of assassinations.” “May your bodyguard rest well too,” he wrote on his Facebook.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), spokesman Peter Kaujju decried the rampant murders saying that “criminality is very painful and robs society of a lot but never wins.” He added that the murders are “very horrible acts and signs of societal degeneration!”
Moses Byamugisha, a defeated aspirant for FDC’s top position wrote albeit cynically that “In 2011 when we were in walk to work protests, Abiriga advised government that we should be shot dead on the streets if we protest against the rigged election. It’s absurd he has been shot because extrajudicial killings are unacceptable.”