By Eric Yiga
Two families are in distress following the court-ordered release of a man accused of causing the deaths of their loved ones in a fatal road accident along the Mukono–Kayunga highway.
Grade One Magistrate Gerald Emwogu of the Mukono Magistrate’s Court ordered the release of Iddi Lumu, a mechanic based in Mukono town, who is facing five serious charges. These include:
- Reckless driving resulting in death
- Driving without a valid permit
- Operating a vehicle without third-party insurance
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
The accident claimed the lives of Kalidi Walakira, a fellow mechanic in Mukono and younger brother to national athlete Halima Nakayi, and David Ainebyona, a boda boda rider in Mukono town. Both were traveling on motorcycle UGG 503G (Bajaj Boxer) when they were struck by a Toyota Hilux pickup, registration UAF 636G, allegedly driven by Lumu.
During Thursday’s court session, the prosecution presented a second witness, Traffic Officer Matovu, attached to the Mukono Central Police Station. Matovu testified that Lumu was visibly intoxicated at the time of the accident. He also stated that he personally rescued the suspect from a mob that was attempting to lynch him and escorted him to the police station.
Lumu applied for bail. Despite initial objections from the prosecution, the court granted the request. He was released on a cash bail of UGX 2 million, with his sureties bonded at UGX 5 million non-cash.
The victims’ families, led by Kamadi Makumbi (father to Walakira) and Ainebyona’s sister, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the court’s decision. Speaking outside the courthouse, they voiced fears that justice may not be served and appealed to higher judicial authorities for intervention. They also alleged that the accused and his associates have shown no remorse, claiming they have mocked and ignored the grieving families since the incident.
The accident occurred on September 3rd at around 4:30 PM along the Kayunga Road, when Lumu’s vehicle reportedly lost control and rammed into the victims, killing them instantly.
The case has been adjourned to September 18th for continued witness testimony.
