KATAKWI DISTRICT – Police from Katakwi Central Police Station (CPS) have formally launched an investigation into the circumstances of a fatal road accident that occurred on September 7, 2024 at Abera village, Katakwi District, which left one person dead and over 70 injured.
The tragic incident involved a white Mitsubishi Canter with registration number UAL 522D, carrying over 80 passengers returning home from a Christian seminary in Katakwi. Reports say the vehicle lost control due to brake failure on the Moroto-Soroti Expressway at about 2pm. The accident left a 68-year-old woman, Polim Akwi, from Manga village, Bukedea District, dead at the scene. Seventeen others sustained serious injuries and 65 sustained minor injuries.
Upon receiving the accident report, Katakwi CPS officials responded swiftly using reference number TAR 26/2024. The injured victims were immediately taken to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital for treatment while the identities of some of the victims are yet to be confirmed.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Katakwi General Hospital for autopsy and the vehicle was towed to CPS Katakwi for inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles (IOV). Following investigation, a full report on the cause of the accident will be released.
Police have also launched a search for the driver of the vehicle. He is a 29-year-old Kamia Francis who resides in Bukedea area and fled the scene before authorities arrived. The Acting Police Spokesperson for East Kyoga, ASP Edison Obulem, in a press statement confirmed that no arrests have been made but assured the public that investigations are still ongoing.
“We urge all road users especially motorists and boda boda riders to be cautious and observe road safety rules. Investigations are ongoing and updates will be provided as they arrive,” ASP Obulem said.
Authorities also called on drivers to regularly maintain their vehicles to prevent further road accidents and ensure the safety of passengers.
