Masindi LC3 Chairperson knocked dead
The driver was arrested and the vehicle towered to Masindi Central Police Station.
Masindi: The residents of Bikonzi Sub County in Masindi District are mourning the sudden death of their LC3 Chairman, John Kabihirwa, who was fatally knocked down by an over-speeding vehicle on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. at Rukondwa village along the Masindi–Hoima road. Witnesses say Kabihirwa, riding his motorcycle, was attempting to turn onto Kitonozi road when he was struck from behind by a speeding vehicle.
Osborn Bajuga, the Mayor of Buliima Town Council, narrated that Kabihirwa signaled to branch off, but the driver of the speeding vehicle, a Toyota Wish heading toward Hoima, failed to reduce speed, resulting in the collision.
Kabihirwa had attended a meeting organized by the National Planning Authority at Masindi District Chambers earlier that day.
Sapline Balyebuga, LC3 Chairman for Kabango Town Council, eulogized Kabihirwa as a hardworking leader committed to the development of his community and district. “We shall miss him and his services. He was our advisor in the LC3 Chairpersons Forum and a visionary leader who pushed for the growth of Bikonzi Sub County,” Balyebuga remarked.
Julius Kyahurwa, LC3 Chairman for Budongo Sub County, expressed frustration over reckless driving on the Masindi–Hoima road.
“These drivers are driving recklessly and over-speeding without concern for other road users,” he lamented.
James Mudede, LC3 Chairman for Bwijanga Sub County, called on the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to install speed humps along dangerous spots on the road, highlighting the alarming frequency of fatal accidents in recent weeks.
“We have lost three people in just three weeks. This road has become a death trap,” Mudede said.
The driver was arrested and the vehicle towered to Masindi Central Police Station. Police had not yet issues a statement regarding the accident by press time.
Kabihirwa’s death marks the third major accident on the Masindi–Hoima road in a month:
On November 16, Sulain Namatovu died after she and her husband were hit from behind by another motorcyclist at Murro Kabega village in Bwijanga Sub County. Her husband remains critically injured.
On October 18, 10-year-old Fwocparowth Nelifer lost her life after being hit by a Toyota Hilux while crossing the Masindi–Paraa road.
On October 26, two teenagers were struck and dragged by a speeding lorry on the Masindi-Biiso road, and ten others sustained injuries in a separate accident the same day.
Earlier in the year, accidents in June and July claimed more lives, including that of LC1 Chairman James Ozele of Alimugonza Central Village, who was hit by a tipper lorry.
Local leaders and residents are urging UNRA and law enforcement agencies to take urgent action to improve road safety. Proposals include installing speed humps, increasing traffic monitoring, and intensifying public awareness campaigns.
A council meeting to pay last respects to the late John Kabihirwa is scheduled for Tuesday, November 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in Bikonzi Sub County.
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