KAMPALA – The Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), the assembly of Catholic Bishops in Uganda has honoured the four Kenyan pilgrims perished in a hit and run accident on weekend as they trekked from Bungoma Diocese, Kenya to Namugongo Martyrs shrines, for the annual pilgrimage.
“Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed four Kenyan pilgrims who were walking to Namugongo’s Martyrs Catholic Shrine today (Sunday),” a statement shared on their official social media reads.
Two of the victims were from Kisoko Parish while the other two were from Naitiri Parish, which are both under Bungoma Catholic Diocese.
UEC adds that the victims were among the about 150 pilgrims who were heading to Namugongo for this year’s martyr’s day to be marked on June 3.
Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga says two of the pilgrims who died on the spot have been identified as Obanga Ashiuma Geoffrey, 48 of Naitiri, Bungoma and Roseline Wanjala (51), of Kisoko, Busia.
An additional two victims who succumbed to the injuries at Nakavule Hospital, he said were identified as Sara Adiambo Ouko of Busia and Madinde Evelyn, also of Busia Kenya.
Enanga says a total of seven other victims, were rushed to hospital out of whom, one Gladys Malinda, is still admitted in critical condition, while four others were transferred to Busia, Kenya by the Catholic community for further treatment.
The remaining two, who had minor injuries that included; Mary Cossillota and Cavan Namwalo, proceeded with their journey to Namugongo.
He said 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 due to poor visibility, as it was raining heavily.
John Opondo from Kisoko who was with other pilgrims said that at about 5am when it was raining; public service vehicle that was heading to Busia from Kampala rammed into them at Iganga, killing two on the spot while two died others at Iganga hospital.
“Our most heartfelt condolences,” adds UEC statement.
