Four UPDF soldiers die in Kaabong accident

Four Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers attached to Kaabong Brigade have died in a motor accident.

The soldiers, whose particulars couldn’t be established by press time, died on Monday morning while on a mission to arrest one of their own, Pt Jimmy Masaaba, who is wanted for shooting Joseph Nyerere, a foreman at a Chinese Construction Camp, following a disagreement.

Pt Masaaba, was sighted in Uzake village, Morungole Sub County in Kaabong District according to one of the residents, prompting the brigade leadership to send a team of officers for his arrest.

According to eyewitnesses, as the army car registration number DO3DF108 sped for the mission, it was obstructed by goats on the road causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle rammed into a beer depot, killing four soldiers on spot and injuring three others.

Maj Telesphor Turyamumanya, the 3rd Division Spokesman confirmed the accident, saying it occurred at around 7.00am in Kaabong Central Ward in Kaabong Town Council.

“Four soldiers have died and three others are injured. They were going to arrest their colleague who had shot a guard at a Chinese Construction Camp. It’s unfortunate that it happened,” he said.

By press time injured soldiers together with an old man had been rushed to Kaabong Hospital to receive medical treatment.