Inmates, warders cheat death as lorry overturns in Masindi
The vehicle was later towed to Masindi Police Station.
Masindi: Several inmates and prison warders escaped death on Friday afternoon when a lorry carrying them overturned in Kamurasi Cell, Nyangahya Division, along the Masindi–Kijunjubwa Road in Masindi District.
The Fuso lorry, registration number UAV 633E, was transporting an estimated 20 people including inmates, prison warders, and tree logs when it reportedly developed a mechanical problem while ascending a steep hill.
The vehicle lost power, slid backward, and overturned. Logs being transported on the vehicle fell onto the passengers, severely injuring three inmates and one warder.
Eyewitness Patrick Jawotho reported that the driver of the vehicle jumped out before it overturned and fled the scene. Jawotho and other residents rushed to assist the injured, removing the heavy logs before a prison vehicle arrived to evacuate the victims.
Resident Pius Odongo blamed the accident on the poor condition of the road, noting that just a week earlier, residents had planted banana suckers and other plants in protest. Authorities had since carried out partial grading, but locals say it was inadequate.
“This road has been a concern for long. We protested recently, and still, the government only partially addressed the issue. Now lives are at risk,” said Vincent Akugizibwe, another resident.
Isaac Isingoma Maxwell, also at the scene, said residents helped pull inmates from under the logs as they awaited medical help. The injured were later rushed to hospital in critical condition.
ASP Solomon Mugisa, the Albertine North Regional Police Community Liaison Officer, confirmed the incident. He said investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the accident. The vehicle was later towed to Masindi Police Station.
Recently residents of Kamurasi planted banana suckers and other plants in the road protesting its poor state which prompted the authorities to do partial grading of the road.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
