Police in Uganda have confirmed that popular blogger Ibrahim Tusubira, also known as Isma Olaxess, was killed by gunfire on Saturday night.
Former Uganda Bloggers Association chairperson Tusubira was attacked in his automobile in a Kampala suburb called Kyanja.
On Saturday night, images of an unresponsive Tusubira, better known as Jajja Iculi, wearing a blood-splattered white jersey began circulating extensively on social media.
Jajja Iculli1 released the following statement on his Facebook page minutes after the shooting: “We are saddened to inform you that Jajja Iculi has been shot. More info to come,” ADMIN.
Less than 30 minutes later, another statement added: “I have lost what to tell you all lovers of Jajja Iculi but it is confirmed Jajja Iculi is no more RIP😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭.”
According to preliminary police investigations, the blogger was killed when an unknown assailant opened fire on his car using an SMG.
The incident reportedly occurred about 9:20 p.m. in the Kyanja Central Zone, according to the police.
“The incident took place while Mr. Tusubilwa Ibrahim was traveling in his motor vehicle, registered under number UBK 213 D, with his driver, Mr Mathias Waswa. Preliminary reports indicate that an unidentified gunman armed with an SMG opened fire on the vehicle, resulting in the fatal shooting of Ibrahim Tusubira, who was seated in the passenger seat at the time of the attack,” Kampala Metropolitan Deputy police spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesgyire said moments after the shooting.
On the site, detectives and crime scene investigators are working tirelessly to collect evidence and thoroughly investigate the shooting.
“As a precautionary measure, the area has been cordoned off to ensure the safety of the public and to facilitate the ongoing investigation process. We assure the public that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide answers to this senseless act of violence,” ASP Owoyesgyire said.
In the early hours of Sunday, his body was transported to the municipal mortuary, where it remains as investigations proceed.
The murder of Tusibira follows the May 2 shooting killing of Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola, the State Minister for Labor, Employment, and Industrial Relations, also a native of Kyanja, by his security, Pte Wilson Sabiiti.