US national killed in Gulu accident

By Dennis Ojwee and Charles Mukiibi

GULU, northern Uganda - A United States national was killed and two others sustained injuries after they were involved in accident in Gulu town Saturday morning, police says.

The accident occurred near the Post Office along Kitgum-Gulu highway when a Toyota Pick-up vehicle of registration number UAK 160G belonging to Warid Telecom Company rammed into them as they were crossing the road.

According to reports, the trio was on their way to board a Post Office bus to travel to Kampala.

The American, identified as Daniella Gucci, was working with the US-Peace Corps in Amuru district. 

Her colleague, who was identified as Jennifer Mamella, was rushed to Gulu Independent Hospital and later transferred to Lacor hospital.

The third person could not be readily identified by press time.

Gucci’s body is still lying at the Lacor Hospital Mortuary.

The Director of Lacor hospital, Dr. Cyprian Opira says Mamella suffered a fracture on the right thigh and bruises on the head, and maintained that her condition is stable.

Gulu District Police Commander Denis Odoch says he suspects the driver of the vehicle – Augustine Mugisha – could have been driving under the influence of alcohol because upon inspection, he gave off a smell of alcohol.

But that remains suspect, with the actual state of mind of the driver at the time of the accident not established by New Vision yet.

For now, the driver remains in custody following interrogations later that day.