Prison warder dies, 19 inmates survive Rakai fatal accident

A prison warder on Tuesday died on the spot while 19 inmates have been rushed to hospital in critical condition following a motor accident in Rakai district. 

The deceased has been identified as Corporal Fred Ssendawula, attached to Kabira Central Prison.

The critically injured inmates; Bernard Lutaaaya, Fred Kiyimba (42) and Edward Kiweewa (45) who currently are in the intensive care unit at Bikiira Healthy Center IV. 

Inmates with minor injuries were taken back to the prison for treatment. Sergeant Charles Otim, another warder who had accompanied the inmates escaped without injury. 

The incident occurred at Katuntu Village along Bikira-Kabira Road at around 10am. The inmates were heading to Kakuuto Town to work on a plantation. 

It is said that the driver lost control of a truck Reg. No. UAK 013E which veered off the road into a valley.  

According to Swaibu Muhumuza, the District Traffic Officer, the driver managed to escape shortly after the incident. Muhumuza further attributed the accident to over speeding. 

He added that they have always warned drivers to service their vehicles regularly but most of them defied the order. 

However, the District Police Commander, Julius Gobolo, said Ssendawula's body was taken to Kalisizo Hospital mortuary for a postmortem.