Three die in accident, residents steal their rice

Residents at the scene of the accident. Photo by Ambrose Musasizi

Kalisizo- Police are searching for people who stole rice from a truck that overturned and killed three people.

The accident occurred on Tuesday at about 5 pm at Jongoza village, Kalisizo, on Masaka-Mutukula road.

Witnesses say, the driver lost control of the speeding truck that was carrying dozens of rice bags. Three occupants of the truck which veered off the road into a swamp, died instantly.

The victims are Mohammed Katumba, the driver; Elias Kibuule, a resident of Kakunyu village in Kalisizo, Kyotera District and John Kasawuli of Buyanja village in Masaka District.

According to Mr Joseph Kiyimba, an eyewitness, residents who rushed to the scene carried rice bags after realising that all the passengers had instantly died.

Police officers who later secured the accident scene, saved some rice from being stolen.

 "Over 300 bags of rice were stolen by residents. We have started investigations to ensure that the rice is recovered," Mr Paul Kangave, the police spokesperson in the Greater Masaka region said.

Mr Kangave said bodies were taken to Kalisizo Hospital for a post-mortem.