Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /usr/www/users/urnnet/a/story.php on line 43 Gov't Apologizes, Offers Compensation to Family of Accident Victim on Collapsed Kabale-Kisoro Road :: Uganda Radionetwork
Initially, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) had taken immediate action to repair the road, with the promise of completing the work within three weeks. However, work came to a halt after just one week, workers left the site, and equipment was removed.
The government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, has issued an
apology to the family of a 71-year-old man who lost his life in an accident at
the collapsed section of the Kabale-Kisoro road in Rubanda district. The road
section collapsed on May 4, 2023, due to heavy mudslides. This road serves as a
crucial link between Uganda, the Rwanda border at Chanika, and the DR Congo
border at Bunagana.
Initially, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) had taken
immediate action to repair the road, with the promise of completing the work
within three weeks. However, work came to a halt after just one week, workers
left the site, and equipment was removed. The remaining part of the road, still
open for use, posed a significant safety risk to road users, including
pedestrians, school children, and livestock.
Despite local outcry and appeals to UNRA to resume repairs, no
positive action was taken. However, tragedy
struck on Sunday, September 24, 2023, when Thomas Bukuru, a resident of Shebeya
village, Shebeya parish, Hamurwa sub-county, Rubanda district, was fatally
injured while returning home from Mass at Hamurwa Catholic church. He was struck by large stones and a trailer. The accident
occurred when the trailer registration number RAF 5291/ RL 3794, traveling from
Kisoro to Kabale, met another speeding vehicle heading in the opposite
direction.
In an attempt to avoid a head-on collision, the trailer swerved off
the road, striking Bukuru causing him to roll down with the debris from the
collapsed road. He lost his life on the spot. During Bukuru's burial on Tuesday, local leaders and residents,
including Teddy Tumwesigye, the Hamurwa town council LC3 Chairperson, and
Stanislaus Nyaraare, the Hamurwa town sub-county LC3 Chairman, voiced their
protests and accused UNRA of neglecting the road works despite numerous
appeals.
In response to the outcry, Henry Ariganyira Musasizi, the State
Minister of Finance, issued an apology on behalf of President Museveni to the
bereaved family. He blamed the tragedy on the delays by the government agency
in repairing the collapsed part of the road. Musasizi also handed over
compensation amounting to Shillings 5 million to the bereaved family as a
government condolence gesture to assist with funeral expenses. Additionally, he
disclosed that the completion of the road requires Shillings 3.5 billion and
that President Museveni has directed the Finance Ministry to explore means of
mobilizing the necessary funds.
//Cue in: “ “habwokutwarwa kwa Mzee…
Cue out: …ngu tukyereirwe.”//
The deceased is survived by 10 children, 54 grandchildren, and 9
great-grandchildren.
