By Hope Mafaranga
In Kabarole

Two Anglican bishops were injured and the wife of one of them died in a car accident yesterday as they were travelling to Fort Portal to attend the burial of their colleague, Bishop Patrick Kyaligonza of Rwenzori diocese.

Bishop Daniel Gimadu of North Mbale diocese and Bishop Augustine Salimo of Sebei diocese are admitted at Mulago Hospital. Gimadu’s wife, Perepetua, died on the way to Fort Portal Hospital.

The morning accident occurred at about the same place where Bishop Kyaligonza died in another car crash last week.

The Kyenjojo Police commander, George Sabiiti, yesterday said the driver, Levi Bakuma, and Reverend Samuel Gidudu also sustained injuries and are admitted at Fort Portal Hospital. Medical personnel said their condition was stable.

The Police attributed the crash to speeding. Sabiiti said the driver failed to negotiate a sharp corner.

“The scene where the accident occurred is a black spot and most drivers get problems. The car in which the bishops were traveling overturned several times,” he said.

Bishop Steven Kazimba of Mityana reached the scene moments after the crash. He said the bishops had spent the night at his home and were travelling together in a convoy.

“Some kilometers before Fort Portal, I realised their car was no longer following. We decided to drive back, only to find that they had rolled off the road.

“We pulled them out and rushed them to hospital but Mrs. Gimadu passed away.”

The bishops were first taken to Fort Portal Hospital, where they received emergency care, before they were evacuated to Kampala. Accompanied by two medical personnel, the bishops were later airlifted by a Police helicopter on instructions of the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura.

The Police boss, who was in the area to attend the burial of Kyaligonza, was among the first dignitaries who visited them at the hospital.

Gimadu’s head was bandaged while Salimo was feeling pain in the left arm and the abdomen.