Museveni condemns accident looters
Oct 21, 2008
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has castigated people who loot property of accident victims and directed that those caught be severely punished. Museveni's comments follow a trailer and bus collision in which 27 people were killed.
By Cyprian Musoke
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has castigated people who loot property of accident victims and directed that those caught be severely punished.
In a message of condolence to the families of the victims of last Friday’s accident near Lugazi, Museveni said accidents of this nature can be avoided if drivers desist from over-speeding.
A total of 27 people were killed and 44 seriously injured when a trailer and a bus collided at Bulyantete on Jinja Road.
“I have heard disturbing reports that some of the would-be rescuers turned to looting and stealing personal effects of people and whatever was in the wreckage, which made it difficult for the Police to identify some of the injured and the dead as their identification documents had been looted,†the President’s message said.
He appealed to the public to assist accident victims and make sure their belongings were safe.
“I condemn the act of looting at accident sites and I appeal to all the people to help all the casualties and to protect their properties whenever such accidents occur.â€
Museveni commended the Ugandan Police, the staff of Kawolo Hospital and Mulago Hospital and all people of good-will who worked tirelessly to rescue the survivors, recover the dead from the wreckages and clear the accident site.
In his message, he wished the injured a quick recovery and assured the relatives of the deceased of his prayers.
“On behalf of Government and on my own behalf, I wish to convey my condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the victims for the demise of their dear ones and all the loss that has occurred.â€
The President said he received reports that the accident occurred when a bus, which was heading towards Jinja, collided with a trailer after swerving off its lane as the driver attempted to overtake a pick-up truck.
He urged all road users, especially drivers, to strictly observe traffic and road safety regulations.
The total number of victims of road accidents stood at 14,290 in 2006, according to the latest Police statistics, with over 2,000 people killed and almost 10,000 seriously injured. One third of all victims are passengers and 40% are pedestrians.
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has castigated people who loot property of accident victims and directed that those caught be severely punished.
In a message of condolence to the families of the victims of last Friday’s accident near Lugazi, Museveni said accidents of this nature can be avoided if drivers desist from over-speeding.
A total of 27 people were killed and 44 seriously injured when a trailer and a bus collided at Bulyantete on Jinja Road.
“I have heard disturbing reports that some of the would-be rescuers turned to looting and stealing personal effects of people and whatever was in the wreckage, which made it difficult for the Police to identify some of the injured and the dead as their identification documents had been looted,†the President’s message said.
He appealed to the public to assist accident victims and make sure their belongings were safe.
“I condemn the act of looting at accident sites and I appeal to all the people to help all the casualties and to protect their properties whenever such accidents occur.â€
Museveni commended the Ugandan Police, the staff of Kawolo Hospital and Mulago Hospital and all people of good-will who worked tirelessly to rescue the survivors, recover the dead from the wreckages and clear the accident site.
In his message, he wished the injured a quick recovery and assured the relatives of the deceased of his prayers.
“On behalf of Government and on my own behalf, I wish to convey my condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the victims for the demise of their dear ones and all the loss that has occurred.â€
The President said he received reports that the accident occurred when a bus, which was heading towards Jinja, collided with a trailer after swerving off its lane as the driver attempted to overtake a pick-up truck.
He urged all road users, especially drivers, to strictly observe traffic and road safety regulations.
The total number of victims of road accidents stood at 14,290 in 2006, according to the latest Police statistics, with over 2,000 people killed and almost 10,000 seriously injured. One third of all victims are passengers and 40% are pedestrians.