Government has declared three days of national mourning for the victims of the fatal accident that occurred in Kiryandongo district on Friday night involving the Gaaga bus in which 22 people lost their lives.
The accident happened Friday night at around 8:30 pm in Kiryandongo district about 200km north of Kampala.
The Gaagaa bus Reg No UAK 562L from Lira to Kampala is said to have rammed into a tractor Reg No UAU 872M near Karuma at around 8pm. Reports say the bus driver was trying to overtake a tractor but in the process, he lost control and knocked head-on with a trailer Reg No UAT 321M which was carrying crates of beer.
Police in a statement released on Saturday said 22 people, including 4 juveniles had lost their lives in the accident.
Read More: Police Place Death Toll of Kiryandongo Accident at 22
Now, the Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda has on the directive of President Yoweri Museveni declared three days of mourning for the victims of the tragic incident.
“Government expresses condolences to the families that lost loved ones and those who sustained injuries in the tragic incident involving a Gaaga bus, tractor and a lorry at Nanda village, Kiryandongo on Friday May 25,” the Prime Minister wrote in a statement on Sunday.
He said that “on the directive of H.E President Yoweri Museveni, government is declaring 3 days of national mourning starting today, Sunday May 27”.
During the three days, all flags on public buildings will fly at half mast to pay tribute to the lost lives and stand with the bereaved families.
In addition government has pledged to contribute Shs 5 million to the families of each of the deceased to assist in burial arrangements.
“Government will contribute Shs 3 million per person to those who were seriously injured and are undergoing treatment,” Prime Minister Rugunda added in the statement.
“While we await a detailed report from Police, initial investigations point to speeding and vehicles in faulty mechanical conditions as the cause of the accident”.
Rugunda appealed to Police to step up vigilance on the roads especially by ensuring that vehicles that are not roadworthy are not on the roads, as well as observing speed limits.
He also cautioned motorists to drive carefully and to take the responsibility of prevailing over errant drivers without necessarily waiting for Police officers to crack the whip.