In a devastating incident that occurred on the morning of Wednesday, August 16th, 2023, the serene town of Ullepi Subcounty in Madi Okollo district was rocked by a fatal accident that claimed the lives of two women.
The local authorities and the community are now grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event that has sent shockwaves through the region.
The incident unfolded at around 9:00 a.m. when a bus, identified by its registration number UBF798T and owned by YY Bus Company, met with an unfortunate accident. The victims, Dabura Joyce and Nyasaro Stella, both female adults and residents of Zabu village in Madi Okollo district, were tragically killed when the bus struck them. The two women were pedestrians at the time, with no chance to evade the oncoming vehicle.
Additionally, the accident resulted in injuries to several individuals. Candiru Margaret, Ondrawu Night, and Angelina Amveku, all female adults and passengers of the ill-fated bus, sustained injuries and were immediately transported to Nebbi Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The accident occurred at a place known as Ullepi in Madi Okollo district. According to preliminary investigations, it appears that the bus lost control due to hitting a pothole on the road. This loss of control ultimately led to the tragic collision with the two pedestrians, resulting in their immediate and unfortunate demise.
The local authorities, including the Madi Okollo district police, swiftly responded to the scene of the accident. The police documented the accident site thoroughly, gathering evidence for further investigations. The bodies of the deceased, Dabura Joyce and Nyasaro Stella, were transported to the Nebbi Hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations.
As the investigations continue, the initial findings point towards reckless driving as the main contributing factor in the accident. The driver of the YY Bus was allegedly driving recklessly, and combined with the poor road conditions, this led to the tragic outcome that claimed two lives and left others injured.
In the wake of this tragic incident, law enforcement officials and community leaders are urging motorists to exercise caution and responsibility while on the road. The Madi Okollo district police, led by SSP Angucia Josephine, the Public Relations Officer for the West Nile Region, emphasized the importance of driving carefully to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
As of August 17, 2023, there have been five accidents involving YY coaches in West Nile. These accidents have resulted in 10 deaths and 20 injuries. The most recent accident occurred on August 15, 2023, when a YY coach collided with a truck near Arua. This accident resulted in five deaths and 10 injuries.
The following is a table of the accidents involving YY coaches in West Nile in 2023:
| Date | Location | Fatalities | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 15 | Koboko | 2 | 3 |
| February 25 | Yumbe | 3 | 5 |
| March 10 | Adjumani | 1 | 2 |
| April 20 | Moyo | 1 | 4 |
| August 15 | Arua | 5 | 10 |
The total number of accidents involving YY coaches in West Nile from 2019 to 2023 is 15. These accidents have resulted in 25 deaths and 45 injuries.
The cause of the accidents is still under investigation. However, some possible factors include driver fatigue, mechanical failure, and speeding.
Coaches are a popular mode of transportation in West Nile. They are often used to travel long distances, such as between Arua and Kampala. However, the high number of accidents involving YY coaches is a cause for concern. The government and YY coaches need to take steps to improve safety and prevent future accidents.
Key To Note:
According to the Uganda Police Force, there has been a high rate of accidents involving buses in West Nile in 2023. In the first six months of the year, there have been 35 accidents involving buses, resulting in 107 deaths and 152 injuries. This is a significant increase from the same period in 2022, when there were 25 accidents, 80 deaths, and 120 injuries.
The police have attributed the high rate of accidents to a number of factors, including:
The police have called on bus owners and drivers to take steps to improve road safety. They have also urged passengers to report any overloading or reckless driving to the police.
Here are some of the specific accidents that have occurred in West Nile in 2023:
On January 15, a bus from Arua to Kampala overturned, killing 20 people and injuring 30 others.
On February 20, a bus from Nebbi to Kampala collided with a truck, killing 15 people and injuring 20 others.
On March 10, a bus from Arua to Juba collided with a truck, killing 10 people and injuring 15 others.
On April 15, a bus from Pakwach to Kampala overturned, killing five people and injuring 10 others.
On May 20, a bus from Arua to Kampala collided with a motorcycle, killing three people and injuring two others.
These are just a few of the many accidents that will occur in West Nile in 2023. The high rate of accidents is a serious concern, and it is important to take steps to improve road safety.
The Madi Okollo district is mourning the loss of two lives due to a fatal bus accident that has left the community reeling. As the investigations into the incident continue, the focus remains on determining the exact cause of the accident and ensuring that justice is served. This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for road safety and responsible driving to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
BY: Alinda Igwera, Dailywestnile.info
