President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Minister for East African affairs Kirunda Kivejinja to immediately get in touch with the families of four Kenyan nationals who were knocked dead by a speeding taxi along the Iganga-Jinja highway.
The four were part of a group of pilgrims who had walked from Bungoma-Kenya and were heading to Namugongo for the 3rd June 2019 Uganda Martyrs celebration.
However, their pilgrimage was cut short by the driver of a taxi Reg.no UBD 760W on 26th, May 2019, at around 5:30 am at Bulaga village, along the Iganga –Jinja highway.
Two of the pilgrims, Obanga Ashiuma Geoffrey, 48 of Naitiri, Bungoma and Roseline Wanjala 51yrs, of Kisoko, Busia died on spot while two victims identified as Sara Adiambo Ouko of Busia and Madinde Evelyn, also of Busia Kenya succumbed to the injuries at Nakavule Hospital, were.
While delivering the State of the Nation Address at the Kampala Serena Hotel this afternoon, President Museveni mourned the pilgrims and asked Hon. Kivejinja to follow up and ensure that their families are helped.
“Before I forget, I would like the minister of East Africa to get in touch with these families from Kenya whose people died while coming for the pilgrimage so that we support them. You know these Kenyans died under our authority” the president said.
Mr. Museveni also mourned important Ugandans who died since the time he gave the 2018 State of the Nation Address like the late Prof. Apolo Nsibambi who was buried this week, Late Col. Hon. Ibrahim Abiriga, SSP Muhamad Kirumira, Rt.Rev. Augustine Arapyona Salimo, Ambassador Julius Onen, among others.
The president also mourned over 31 people that died on a boat cruise late last year and residents of Bududa who have perished in landslides.
“Madam Speaker, I request that we all stand up and observe a moment of silence in memory of the departed persons. May the Almighty God rest their souls in eternal peace.”
On the issue of security, the president said it was the number one priority of the NRM government and this will not change. He noted that over 3 million people who are estimated to have attended the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo were secured by police and the UPDF. The president bragged that since 1986, no terrorist activity has ever been registered at Namugongo.
