By Mukembo Wilfred
A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier died instantly and eight others were injured in a road crash involving the escort vehicle of the State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Huda Oleru Obason, in Luweero District.
Savannah Regional Police spokesperson Sam Twineamazima said the accident occurred at around 7:45 p.m. at Kalule Village in Nyimbwa Sub-County. It involved a white Fuso Fighter truck, registration number UAN 394Z, which was travelling from Kampala, and a green Toyota Hilux (UG 0388D) that was part of Minister Oleru’s convoy coming from the Gulu side.
According to police, the Fuso truck attempted a reckless overtaking manoeuvre near Kalule, resulting in a head-on collision with the oncoming convoy vehicle. Lance Corporal Moses Edongoto, a member of the escort team, died on the spot. Six other soldiers and two civilians were injured and evacuated to Bombo General Military Hospital for emergency treatment.
Both vehicles were later towed to Bombo Police Station as investigations continue. “Preliminary findings indicate that the crash was caused by reckless overtaking by the driver of the Fuso truck,” Twineamazima said.
Initial rumours suggested that Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao was involved in the accident. He later clarified that he was not part of the convoy but was among those who stopped to assist the victims. “With the help of other travelers and locals, we rescued the escorts and managed to send the injured to Bombo Military Hospital,” Mao said.
