How 7 family members perished in River Namatala car plunge

Summary:

• A vehicle carrying seven family members plunged into River Namatala in Budaka District, Uganda, killing all occupants. They were returning home from a wedding in Mpigi District. The driver lost control at River Namatala Bridge. One person is still missing.

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BUTALEJA, (Examiner) – Seven family members died on the spot on Sunday morning when the vehicle they were traveling in careened into River Namatala in Budaka District. The incident took place at River Namatala Bridge, dividing Budaka from Butaleja districts, as the driver of the Toyota Ipsum with registration number UAM 969 lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road.

According to a preliminary report from the police, the victims were returning home to Butaleja District from Mpigi District, where they had attended a wedding ceremony the previous day. Mr. Samuel Semewo, the spokesperson for Bukedi North Regional police, confirmed the heartbreaking event, stating that the driver lost control at River Namatala Bridge, leading to the vehicle’s plunge into the river, resulting in the drowning of all passengers.

The deceased individuals were identified as follows: Pastor Kaalo Kefa, 35, resident of Nahamanya B village; Aron Kabingi Aron, 60, resident of Bunaminto village; Florence Kataike, 50; Sarah Sanyu, 29; Esther Misibuka, 31, all residents of Butaleja; Grace Kisakye, 22, resident of Namirembe, Iki-Iki in Budaka District. Additionally, one individual identified only as Michael, 17, remains missing.

Mr. Semewo reported that the police swiftly responded to the scene, retrieving both the vehicle and the bodies. Fortunately, the driver managed to escape death by jumping through the window. The bodies have been transported to Budaka Health Centre IV for postmortem examination, and investigations are ongoing as authorities gather more information.

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