A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier was killed and eight other people injured on Sunday evening in a road crash involving the escort vehicle of State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Huda Oleru Obason, in Luweero District.
Savannah Regional Police spokesperson Sam Twineamazima said the crash occurred at around 7:45pm at Kalule Village in Nyimbwa Sub-county. It involved a white Fuso Fighter truck, registration UAN 394Z, travelling from Kampala, and a green Toyota Hilux (UG 0388D) that was part of Minister Oleru’s convoy heading towards Kampala from the Gulu side.
“The Fuso attempted a reckless overtaking manoeuvre near Kalule, and during this, it collided head-on with the oncoming Hilux, which was part of the official convoy,” Twineamazima said.
Lance Corporal Moses Edongoto, a member of the convoy, died on the spot. Six other soldiers and two civilians were injured and evacuated to Bombo General Military Hospital for emergency treatment.
Police said the vehicles involved in the crash were later towed to Bombo Police Station as investigations continue.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the cause of the crash was reckless overtaking by the driver of the Fuso truck,” Twineamazima added.
Initial social media reports had suggested that Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao was involved in the accident. He later dismissed the claims, explaining that he was among motorists who stopped to help.
“With the help of other travelers and locals, we rescued the escorts and managed to send the injured to Bombo Military Hospital,” Mao said.
