At least 23 bodies of victims who perished in a major accident along the Gulu-Kampala Highway in Kiryandongo District remain unclaimed and unidentified. The accident occurred on Wednesday morning in Kataleba Village in Kiryandongo Subcounty near Asili’s Farm, killing 46 people and injuring 64 others.
The crash involved an Isuzu bus (UBF 614X) belonging to Nile Star Coaches, a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB), and a sugarcane truck (UAM 045V) from Planet Company. According to Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the UBF 614X Isuzu bus, traveling from Kampala to Gulu, attempted to overtake the Tata lorry at the scene. Simultaneously, the UAM 045V Isuzu bus, traveling in the opposite direction, tried to overtake the Toyota Surf.
“This led to a head-on collision between the two buses during the overtaking maneuvers. One of the drivers swerved to avoid a collision, but this resulted in a head-on and side collision, causing a chain reaction. Other vehicles lost control and overturned several times,” Kananura explained.Information gathered from the police and Kiryandongo Hospital indicates that 23 bodies have been claimed and identified, while another 23 remain unclaimed.
The victims identified so far include Stella Abuga, 21, from Koboko; Gabriel Dralega Achema from Yumbe; Jimmy Adora, 57, from Yumbe; Augustine Angwadia, 52, from Arua; Sulanze Akiiki, 49, from Gulu; Godfrey Alianzi, 26, from Arua; Sarah Amooti, 28, from Gulu; Grace Andile from Yumbe; Conslate Apio, 42, from Gulu; Immaculate Baku, 24, from Gulu; William Byarugaba, 49, from Kampala; Rose and Draku Arama, 60, from Kyebando in Kampala; Elyeza Kadoko, 29, from Luka; Fred Lubangakene, 25, from Pabo; Jamita Magadu, 28, from Adjumani; Jonan Muwanguzi, 28, from Adjumani; Rwothumiyo Benjamin, 39, from Nebbi; Vincent Sengendo; William Senono, 31, from Kayunga; and Sandra Taita, 21, from Adjumani.
Stephen Ojok, Kiryandongo District Police Commander, said all claimed bodies have been taken by relatives, adding that by the end of business today, the remaining bodies are expected to be identified and claimed as more people continue to arrive at the health facility.
Ojok confirmed that 64 people survived the accident and are receiving treatment at Kiryandongo General Hospital.
Some of the survivors identified include Edward Adii, Patrick Akech, Alson Tumwebaze, Akwo Yopanga, Sarah Amanio, Joel Amanzo, Brian Anyai, Florence Atyelo, Rashid Hassano, Florence Atyero, Mugisha Bahemuka, Sadrack Birungi, Scovia Bodo, Yobo Ayela, Paul Birungi, David Ocheru, Emai Bivawo, Moses Okumu, Patricia Namugerwa, and Joshua Kato.
Others include Nemmi Katusiime, Richard Owonda, Peter Wotunya, Shaban Ramah, Sarah Sitima, Savior Ledra, Moreen Atim, Monday Janey, Patrick Midibu, and Betty Ochun. Dr. Godfrey Kisembo, Medical Superintendent of Kiryandongo Hospital, told URN that all admitted victims are responding well to treatment, noting that some are expected to be discharged soon.
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