Six soldiers involved in car accident on Masaka road
The vehicle that was transporting the officers before it's tyre burst and driver lost control. PHOTO BY MALIK FAHAD JJINGO
At least six Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers on Monday survived death after the car they were traveling in overturned along Masaka – Kampala highway.
Police said a speeding land cruiser registration number BO4BF 116, in which the soldiers were traveling from Makenke barracks in Mbarara heading to Kampala got a tyre burst and the driver lost control before it overturned at Kabale -Bugonzi in Bukulula Sub County in Kalungu District.
Ms Josephine Namukasa, one of the eye witnesses said they were attracted by the sound of an explosion only to realize later on that it’s a tyre bust.
She said they called police which responded by picking the injured soldiers and taking them to Masaka Regional Referral hospital where they are receiving treatment.
Mr Latif Zaake, the Southern Regional Police Commander has identified the victims as Corporal Aluma Byajo, Pte Bernard Asega, Samuel Okumu Twaha, Joseph Odul , Gaadi Esati and Corporal John Echuru all attached to Makenke barracks in Mbarara District.
He said that police towed the wreckage of the vehicle to Masaka police station as investigations into the cause of the accident continues.
Mr Zaake, however, advised drivers to always first check the condition of their vehicles before setting for a journey, especially those that have to travel long distances.
