Shock and grief have engulfed the media fraternity following the killing of veteran Ugandan journalist Joe Nam, who was gunned down at his residence in Kawanda Central, Nabweru Division, Wakiso District.
Nam, 55, a former staff member of New Vision, was attacked in the early hours of Sunday at approximately 1:00am by an unidentified assailant.
Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said initial findings suggest the attacker, who concealed his identity with a mask, shot Nam and fled immediately after carrying out the attack.
At the time of the incident, Nam had reportedly stepped outside his home for prayers.
His wife, alerted by the sound of gunfire, rushed out only to find him unresponsive. Police were contacted, but by the time officers arrived at the scene, he had already passed away.
Police have since deployed teams to examine the scene and gather crucial evidence that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect.
Owoyesigyire indicated that the body was taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination, while investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind the killing and reconstruct the events leading to the shooting.
Authorities are also working to determine the kind of firearm used in the attack.
Throughout his career, Nam built a reputation as a seasoned journalist, reporting extensively on business, environmental issues, and politics. Even after retiring from newsroom work, he remained active as a consultant.
No arrests have been made so far, and investigations into the killing are still underway.
The veteran journalist’s murder comes on the heels of that of four Ggaba daycare center children. The trial of key suspect Christopher Okello Onyum is ongoing, with the state arguing its case against claims that the suspected killer was mentally sick. (See Details Here, There and Over There).
