Seven family members tragically lost their lives on Sunday morning when their vehicle plunged into River Namatala in Budaka District.
The accident occurred at the River Namatala Bridge, which separates Budaka from Butaleja Districts, after the driver of the Toyota Ipsum (registration No. UAM 969) lost control and veered off the road.
According to a preliminary police report, the family was returning to Butaleja District from a wedding ceremony in Mpigi District, which they attended on Saturday.
Bukedi North Regional police spokesperson, Mr. Samuel Semewo, confirmed the incident, stating that the driver lost control at River Namatala Bridge, causing the vehicle to drown in the river with all passengers on board.
“After the party on Saturday, they set off from Mpigi around 9 pm back to Butaleja. At around 4:30 am, while on their way home, the driver lost control at River Namatala Bridge, and the vehicle plunged into the river,” Mr. Semewo explained.
The deceased have been identified as Pastor Kaalo Kefa, 35, of Nahamanya B village; Aron Kabingi Aron, 60, of Bunaminto village; Florence Kataike, 50; Sarah Sanyu, 29; Esther Misibuka, 31, all from Butaleja; and Grace Kisakye Grace, 22, of Namirembe, Iki-Iki in Budaka District. The body of a 17-year-old, identified only as Michael, is still missing.
Mr. Semewo reported that police arrived at the scene to recover the vehicle and the bodies. Notably, the driver survived the accident by jumping through a window.
“The bodies have been transported to Budaka Health Centre IV for postmortem examinations. Inquiries are ongoing as we continue to gather more information,” he added.
