Minister apologizes over child knocked dead at KCCA

PRESS RELEASE

I have learnt with sadness about the death of a two-year-old toddler after it was run over by a vehicle belonging to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

The preliminary briefing I have got from the management of KCCA is  that; The the mother of the child had been arrested and taken to  CPS on the 17th of November for street vending contrary to the law and was later brought to city hall court.

That  two relatives of the detained lady , that is; her mother and a girl came with her baby to see her at the court.

That In the course of their stay  the  baby  strayed away and went down the slope and into the parking lot behind city hall which has  mature foliage forming the gardens.

That A driver drove in and after dropping off staff reversed out of the parking and accidentally ran over the child, who just emerged from the foliage.

That KCCA rushed the child to Mulago but unfortuately passed away due to the injuries.

That Police was immedietly informed and  further investigations are being carried out.

I wish to confirm that strong action will be taken on whoever could have acted negligently  depending on  the police findings.

I have already asked the IGP and his team to fully investigate the matter with a view of apprehending any one who could have acted negligently!

Law enforcement in the city is certainly necessary, and by arresting the mother of the child for violating the existing city law, KCCA law
enforcement officials were doing their job.  We encourage them to perform their duties but responsibly.

However, the death of the toddler is an act of negligence which I do not take lightly. The incident shows security laxity within KCCA.

Whether the child had an attendant or not, the KCCA security should have the capacity to detect any movement within the court and its entire  premises especially of a child reported to have moved away undetected  from its minders.

I wish to most sincerely offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and as well apologize on behalf of the city leadership.  I demand away forward from KCCA  management on how such incidents can be avoided in future .

I further  direct the KCCA management to take action against whoever is culpable and or could have been negligent on their part and not to just explain away the issue as police expedites its investigations.

Frank Tumwebaze

MP, Minister in Charge of the Presidency and Kampala Capital City, Government of Uganda