Summary:
- Jimmy Ogwang, the team leader for UNHCR from Kisoro District, confirmed that one of the deceased was from the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, one from Kyaka Refugee Settlement, and seven from the Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District.
KABALE: Nine bodies of Congolese refugee nationals who perished in a road accident in Rubanda District on Friday have been handed over to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Kabale District.
The bodies, which had been lying at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital since the accident, were handed over on Sunday. The crash occurred around 10:00 PM on Friday at Kamuserwa Cell, Nyarurambi Ward, Rubanda Town Council, along the Kabale-Kisoro road.
The accident involved a white Toyota Hiace van, registration number UBK 037G, driven by 35-year-old Isabirye Charles, whose body was also handed over to his family in Iganga District.
The deceased included two male adults, three female adults, three female juveniles, and one male juvenile, all of whom died on the spot. Another 34 victims were admitted to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital with injuries.
Jimmy Ogwang, the team leader for UNHCR from Kisoro District, confirmed that one of the deceased was from the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, one from Kyaka Refugee Settlement, and seven from the Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District.
“All the deceased have been transported back to their settlement camps for burial,” Ogwang said. He added that UNHCR has arranged for food supplies for the injured at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital and has also donated beddings and basins to support their recovery.
CUE IN OGWANG…….ON THE MATTER…….ENG//
Ogwang further revealed that the deceased and injured individuals had traveled independently without notifying the UNHCR team in Kisoro District.
CUE IN OGWANG…….ON THE MOVEMENT…..ENG//
Kigezi Region Police spokesperson Elly Maate said the accident occurred when the vehicle failed to negotiate a corner due to brake failure, overturning and plunging approximately 100 meters off the road.
“The deceased and injured were heading to Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District,” Maate said. He added that the scene was documented by ASP Abantu Habert, traffic officers, and a highway patrol team, assisted by medical officers from Muko Health Centre IV.
The wrecked vehicle was towed to Rubanda Central Police Station yard for inspection.
