Here’s what you should be aware of:
- After the 2019 accident, President Yoweri Museveni instructed the police to offer an official security detail and safeguard Kenyan pilgrims journeying to Namugongo annually.
In 2019, an accident on the Iganga–Jinja highway resulted in the deaths of four Kenyan pilgrims from Bungoma Diocese and left seven more wounded as they traveled to attend the Uganda Martyrs' Day festivities in Namugong.
The individuals who passed away have been identified as Geoffrey Obanga Ashiuma, aged 48, from Naitiri Catholic Parish in Bungoma; Roselyne Wanjala, 51, from Kisoko Parish in Busia; Sarah Adhiambo Ouko from Busia, Kenya; and Evelyne Madinde— all belonging to the Bungoma Diocese located in Western Kenya.
The accident that happened in Bulaga increased the count of deceased Kenyan pilgrims in Ugandan traffic accidents to five. The initial casualty took place in 1998 when John Kibe, a pilgrim from Machakos Diocese, was struck by a car in Mabira Forest.
Juma Imelda, who survived the 2019 accident, shared with the Monitor that the team departed from Iganga Parish at around 4 am. They were en route to Mbiko Parish in Jinja, planning to take a break after their overnight journey.
We were in great spirits, singing and praying the rosary," Juma remembered. "Sarah Adhiambo was leading the choir." He continued, "It began to rain lightly, but we kept going forward. Suddenly, I noticed Mr. John Opondo urging us away from the roadside with his flag holder. Immediately after, there was a deafening explosion—we had been struck.
Two pilgrims passed away immediately, while two more died later from their wounds at Iganga Hospital.
Mr. John Opondo, who was heading the group carrying the Kenyan flag, described the frightening incident.
I noticed the taxi heading directly towards us. Despite my attempt to shove several individuals aside, it happened too quickly," he stated. "Those standing at the back couldn't spot the vehicle at all. I am convinced that this was an intentional maneuver carried out by the driver of the commuter taxi with license plate number UBD 760W.
A fellow survivor, Mr Joseph Osinyi, who suffered a broken leg, was initially admitted to Iganga Hospital before being moved to Busia, Kenya, for additional medical care.
I was facing challenges with my hospital expenses," Mr. Osinyi stated. "However, President Museveni provided us with financial assistance for treatment as well as for the families of those who had passed away. This support made a significant difference.
A presidential directive
After the 2019 accident, President Yoweri Museveni instructed the police to offer official escorts and protection for Kenyan pilgrims traveling to Namugongo annually.
Mr. Alex Asiimwe, the Busia District Traffic Officer, mentioned that the police meet the pilgrims at the border, provide them with instructions on safety protocols, and accompany them through Uganda.
“We advise them to walk on the right side of the road, wear reflectors, and move in single file at the road’s edge,” Mr Asiimwe said. “We also ban night travel for safety reasons. Our patrol vehicle leads the way and alerts oncoming traffic to slow down.”
Mr. Opondo stated that following the directive, the police have continually offered escorts, which has led to a decrease in road accidents.
"Ever since 2019, we haven’t experienced any incidents. The police issue warnings to drivers and assist in guiding us. This has significantly improved the situation," he stated.
Pilgrims grateful
Ms Mary Wabuye, who was among the pilgrims, referred to the police escort as an emblem of Ugandan hospitality.
“She mentioned that this demonstrates how much Ugandans cherish and look after us as pilgrims.”
Mr. John Ndindi Dubi expressed similar sentiments, mentioning that they consistently dedicate particular prayers in Namugongo for Uganda, its president, and the police force.
When we visit Uganda, we're greeted asVIPs. From the border all the way to Namugongo, we get escorted by both traffic officers and armed police," he stated. "In past years, we were concerned about Uganda's security forces. However, we now consider them some of the finest in the area.
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