The minister of state for Labour Employment and Industrial Relations, Charles Engola, has been shot dead by his bodyguard over an alleged private dispute.

BBC reports that Engola, a retired military colonel, was shot at his residence in Kampala, the nation's capital city, on Tuesday, May 2, by his yet-to-identified guard.

The suspect, an officer of the Ugandan Army, also shot himself dead after killing the minister.

Confirming the incident, in a statement, the Army spokesperson, Brigadier Felix Kulayigye, described the killing of Engola as "unfortunate."

Kulayigye, in a post made via the official Twitter handle of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), @UPDFspokespersn, said: 

"We have come to learn of the unfortunate incident at Kyanja Ring Road which led to the demise of Hon Rtd Col Charles Okello Engola this morning. We shall inform the public {on} the details as we jointly investigate the matter."

While the motive for the bodyguard's action is unclear, local media and citizens have claimed that the minister was killed over a wage dispute with his guard.

In addition, the Ugandan parliament's speaker, Anita Among, informed members of the parliament of the incident.

AP reports that Among described the incident as God's plan.

She told lawmakers: "This morning I received sad news that Hon Engola has been shot by his bodyguard and after, shot himself. May his soul rest in peace. 

"That was God's plan. We can't change anything."