Self-styled blogger Ibrahim Tusubira, alias Isma Olaxes, who was shot dead on Saturday evening, had expressed fears over his life, multiple sources have said.
According to security agencies, Olaxes had in his latest video clips indicated that some people were after his life but it is not clear whether he had reported to police about any such threats.
“Yes, he had expressed those fears, but only publicly. So really we could not easily know who it was since he had not reported to security agencies but still, we are piecing up together to unravel this,” a security source close to the investigation intimated to this website.
Olaxes, also popularly known as Jaja Ichuli, was the president of Uganda Bloggers Association, and he has been known for his brutal attacks on many personalities, especially government officials.
He also often appeared to celebrate the death of many officials, including Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Col. Rtd Charles Okello Engola was a few days also gunned down by his body guard Private Wilson Sabiti.
Isma is said to have been attacked by an unknown gunman in Kyanja central zone, at around 9:20pm.
The motive for his killing is not yet known.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire said the unidentified gunman armed with an SMG opened fire on the vehicle, resulting in the fatal shooting of Tusubira who was seated in the passenger at the time of the attack.
“Our dedicated task teams are currently on the ground, working diligently to gather all available evidence and conduct thorough investigations into this heinous crime,” said the statement.
He added: “We understand the concerns and anxieties arising from this incident. We urge residents to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities as we work towards resolving this swiftly,” Owoyesigyire further noted in the statement.
Isma was shot dead in the same area where the State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Col. Rtd Engola, was shot dead.
Meanwhile, several personalities, including politicians, have expressed grief over his death.
Opposition National Unity Platform President Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, said the growing trend of bloodshed is alarming.
“Not even a week after the murder of minister Engola, blogger Isma Olaxes is murdered in cold blood. This follows so many other unresolved murders! What is clear to all of us, regardless of your political affiliation, is that in a sinking boat, there are no winners,” he tweeted.
“Whenever we complain about armed regime operatives dressed in civilian clothes causing mayhem, abducting or even killing our people, the same regime apologists say we’re politicizing things. I will say it again, everyone is a potential victim of the lawlessness of the Museveni regime!” he added.
The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the murder of Isma Ibrahim Tusubira, a.k.a Jajja Ichuli, by gunmen last night.
It is truly heartbreaking to hear about such senseless violence and loss of life. We believe that taking and giving life is the sole prerogative of God and that no human being, regardless of their position in society or political affiliation, has the right to take the life of another.
The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to justice and held accountable for their actions. Violence only begets more violence, and we all must take responsibility for creating a safer and more peaceful Uganda. There is a need to end this gun-rule.”
