By Nathan Eyagu
Katakwi District – The police in Katakwi Central Police Station (CPS) have officially launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a fatal road accident that occurred in Abela village, Katakwi District, on September 7, 2024. The accident left one person dead and over 70 others injured.
The tragic incident involved a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration number UAL 522D, which was transporting more than 80 passengers returning from a Christian seminar in Katakwi. According to reports, the vehicle lost control along the Moroto-Soroti highway at around 2:00 PM, allegedly due to brake failure. The crash resulted in the death of Paulime Akwii, a 68-year-old woman from Manga village, Bukedea District, who died at the scene. Seventeen others sustained serious injuries, while 65 more suffered minor injuries.
Upon receiving the report of the accident, Katakwi CPS officers quickly responded under reference number TAR 26/2024. The injured victims were immediately rushed to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital for medical attention, though the identities of some victims remain unconfirmed.
The body of the deceased was taken to Katakwi General Hospital for postmortem, while the vehicle was towed to CPS Katakwi for inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles (IOV). A full report on the cause of the accident will be released following the inspection.
The police have also launched a manhunt for the driver of the vehicle, identified as 29-year-old Kamia Francis from Bukedea District, who fled the scene before authorities arrived. ASP Edison Obukulem, acting police spokesperson for East Kyoga in a press statement confirmed that no arrests had been made but assured the public that inquiries are ongoing.
"We call upon all road users, especially drivers and boda-boda riders, to be cautious and adhere to road safety regulations. Investigations are progressing, and we will provide updates as they come in," ASP Obukulem stated.
Authorities further urged drivers to maintain their vehicles regularly and ensure the safety of passengers to prevent further road tragedies.
