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KAMPALA - The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has pledged to support the families of the victims involved in  a fatal car crash with an ODPP vehicle.

“We are saddened by the loss of life of the two individuals who were riding the motorcycle and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, and community during this difficult time,” ODPP spokesperson Jacquelyn Okui said in a press release dated May 21, 2024.

Police identified the deceased as rider Fednand Otima, 25, and passenger Raymond Ogwang, 66. They are residents of Aliri village, Akalo sub-county, Kole district.

Meanwhile, the injured pedestrian Emmanuel Okullu and Betty Agola, a passenger in the vehicle, were all rushed to a nearby clinic for treatment.

She said the ODPP is devoted to providing the bereaved families with the necessary support during this difficult time.

Okui said the ODPP is committed to ensuring that the injured receive the necessary medical attention and support throughout their recovery.

“We recognise that road safety is a collective responsibility and we are taking definitive steps to prevent similar incidents in the future,” she said.

The ODPP spokesperson disclosed that they are working closely with the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and implement measures that prioritise the safety of all road users.

“We assure the public of our dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety and accountability,” she said.

North Kyoga Police region spokesperson Jimmy Patrick Okema said the territorial police at Lira City Central Police Station are investigating a fatal accident that occurred on May 20, 2024, at about 12:00 pm near Rima Primary School on the Lira-Soroti highway, involving a grey Toyota Hilux reg no. UG 1234J attached to the ODPP Lira and Bajaj Boxer motorcycle reg no UDG 443E.

Police investigations reveal that the vehicle, travelling from Soroti to Lira City at high speed, collided with a motorcycle carrying a rider and a passenger near Rima Primary School.

The driver subsequently lost control, hitting a pedestrian and causing serious injury before the vehicle overturned.

According to the police, the victims were rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

"Both the vehicle and the motorcycle have been towed to Lira Central Police Station pending inspection," the police stated.

They also confirmed that the driver is in custody, with preliminary findings indicating that overspeeding was the cause of the accident.