KAMPALA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Unknown gunmen on Friday shot dead a Ugandan legislator and his bodyguard in the central part of the East African country.

Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima said in a statement that Ibrahim Abiriga, a legislator from Arua district, was shot dead together with his bodyguard as they returned home in Wakiso district.

Abiriga had complained about continued threats to his life.

His death comes on the same day another legislator Lillian Nakate, reported to police seeking protection after anonymous letters were distributed containing life-threatening messages.

The writers threatened to kidnap the MP and her children.

The country has registered a spate of killings involving a senior police officer and a prosecutor among others.

President Yoweri Museveni, during his State of the Nation address on Wednesday, blamed the new wave of murders that also included a senior state attorney and several Muslim leaders, on remnants of Allied Democratic Forces rebels.