By Fred Kiva
Four Kenyan pilgrims have died, while seven others are hospitalized after being knocked by a hit and run taxi on the Jinja-Iganga Road.
Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga says the pilgrims were trekking from Bungoma in Kenya to Namugongo Martyrs shrine when a taxi Reg.No.UBD760W knocked them at around 5:30am on Sunday.The accident occurred at Bulaga village in Iganga district.
Two of the pilgrims died on spot, while the others died in hospital. Enanga has identified the two that died on the spot as, Geoffrey Obanga Ashiuma (48) of Naitiri in Bungoma and 51 year old Roseline Wanjala of Kisoko, Busia. Those that succumbed to injuries at Nakavule Hospital have been identified as Adiambo Ouko of Busia and Evelyne Madinde of the same area.
“A specialized traffic investigation team that was immediately dispatched to the area has in its preliminary findings indicated the cause of the accident as reckless driving and poor visibility, as it was raining heavily,” Enanga said. “The team is meanwhile working to establish the identity of the driver, who escaped from the scene, for arrest and subsequent prosecution,” he added.
Thousands of Christians from across the globe are trekking to Namugongo Martyrs shrine ahead of Martyrs Day, annually commemorated on June 3