MP Baliddawa survives angry mob

Jan 04, 2010

Kigulu North MP Edward Baliddawa on Saturday survived an angry mob following an accident at Najjembe in Mabira Forest on Kampala-Jinja highway.

By John Semakula

Kigulu North MP Edward Baliddawa on Saturday survived an angry mob following an accident at Najjembe in Mabira Forest on Kampala-Jinja highway.

The MP, who was heading to Jinja from Kampala, lost control and veered off the road, injuring roadside vendors at Najjembe Market.

Those seriously injured included Charles Ssentongo, Isma Sempaka, Amina Nansikombi and Kolasi Naabirye.

Baliddawa, who is also the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on information and communication technology, was unhurt.

An angry mob reportedly attempted to beat him up but he was rescued by people who knew him as an MP.

He then rushed to Lugazi Police Station on a motorcycle.

Eyewitnesses said the MP was speeding yet there were several taxis joining the highway from the market.

The officer in charge of traffic at Lugazi, Paul Okong, said the injured were taken to Kawolo Hospital.

Baliddawa said he was rushing to attend a radio talk-show in Jinja.

He said a taxi driver caused the accident, adding that it was why he (taxi driver) fled after the accident.

Baliddawa also denied being roughed up by a mob.

“I got out of the vehicle, got a bodaboda and went to Lugazi Police Station to report the accident,” Baliddawa stated, adding: “This was an accident and what happened to me could have happened to anyone else.”

Baliddawa explained that as he tried to avoid colliding with the taxi, he swerved and hit a kiosk.

“I am told there could have been people injured,” he said.

“Let us leave the Police to investigate. I am in a state of shock as I have just survived an accident,” he said when he was asked whether he would accept responsibility and meet treatment expenses for those injured.

The accident comes barely two months after Budiope county MP Henry Balikoowa died in an accident in Mabira on the same highway.

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