Police in Jinja has this evening addressed the media on an accident where a vehicle crashed a group of Catholic Pilgrims Friday afternoon.
Addressing a press confefence at Jinja Central Police Station, Mr. James Mubi the Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson confirned the incident.
He said the accident was caused by the driver of a truck Registration Number UBE 168J that was carrying garbage from Mpumudde to Mayuge district.
Mubi says after the incident, the driver just proceeded until he was intercepted in Bugembe by a police patrol.
“We have arrested him when trying to run away,” said Mubi adding that the suspect is detained at CPS Jinja pending investigations.
He warned motorists and boda-boda riders to be aware of road users who are trekking to Namugongo.
Charles Kirunda, leader of the group of 25 pilgrims told The Eye Media that they started the journey at 6.00am Friday May 26, 2023 from Busowa Catholic Parish in Bugiri District.
Mr. Kirunda said the accident was caused by a truck carrying garbage which knocked 7 of the pilgrims.
“Unfortunately four of the members were seriously injured,” said Kirunda.
Mr Kirunda said the surgent who carries the flag tried to raise it to the truck driver but could not stop and eventually ended up knocking the pilgrims.
“We are now here in Jinja Regional Referral Hospital and there is a lot needed to support the injured persons.I have contacted the health team of the Dioses and are sending a team to manage the situation,” he added.
He identified the injured as Mr. John Bosco Basole who sustained head injuries, Ms. Jenifer Nambuya, Ms. Winnie Taaka Winnie who both sustained fractured legs. The fourth injured pilgrim is the 20-year-old, Fredrick Elebo.
