Link bus services sued over passenger's death

COURT

KAMPALA- Gertrude Nassanga, a woman whose husband died in an accident, has sued Link Bus Services in the High Court, seeking damages.

In a suit filed yesterday at the Civil Division of the High Court in Kampala, Nassanga contends that the bus driver was driving at unreasonable /reckless speed along Nakasongola road, leading to the busting of the front tyre, which led to the accident.

Court documents indicate that on February 3, 2019, Nassanga and Gerald Ntanda (deceased) were taking back their children to school for their first term academic year at St. Lawrence Migeera Primary School using Link bus, which was driven by Joseph Isoke.

Subsequently, on their way to school at about 2:00 pm, the defendant's bus registration number UBA 332B recklessly caused an accident after the front tyre bust and it went off the road and overturned several times, leading to the death of five people including Nassanga's husband, who died on spot.

"My three children and I were also injured in the process," she contends through Mutungi and Company Advocates.

Nassanga said her children dropped out of school due to injuries sustained in the accident and lack of school fees, which was usually paid by the father.

The plaintiff states that after the death of her husband, the defendant accepted liability and promised to work on the burial arrangements.

She said the defendants contributed sh800, 000 and promised to compensate her for recklessly causing the death of her husband in vain.

According to Police report, it was the defendant's bus that caused the accident as it shows that the front tyre bust, causing the bus to overturn several times leading to the death of the deceased.

"As a result of the fatal injuries sustained, I lost future earnings from my trade as I was engaged in various forms of employment to support myself and my family. I was once a healthy hardworking woman but I am relying on well-wishers for survival," Nassanga claims.

The plaintiff avers that she has as a result suffered inconveniences and anguish for which she will claim for general damages.

Nassanga wants special damages of over sh58m incurred as a result of her spouse's death.

The court registrar Sarah Langa has summoned Link bus services to file its defence within 15 days.