KAMPALA, UGANDA: Police in Kira Division is investigating circumstances under which a 49-year-old pilgrim from Rubirizi district collapsed dead a few meters away from the Anglican shrine in Namugongo on Monday morning.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire identified the deceased as Alinaitwe Jackline who was among the 100 pilgrims trekking from West Ankole diocese to attend this year’s Martyrs’ day celebrations slated for June 03, 2022.
“The territorial Police at Kira Division is currently investigating the death of a pilgrim identified as Arinitwe Jack line, 49 a peasant at Katokori Village, Kyanarwa Parish, Katanda sub-county in Rubirizi District. The incident happened today 30/05/2022 at about 11:30 am in Namugongo Parish, Kira Municipality Wakiso District,” said Owoyesigyire.
“The police would like to convey their condolences to the family of the deceased person and also advise all pilgrims to always rehydrate in a way of taking enough water and also have enough rest during the pilgrimage,” he added.
According to the pilgrims’ team leader, Rev Sam Katagye, Alinaitwe’s death was a shocker to the group as the late had exhibited enough strength and showed no signs of illness or weakness throughout the journey and only died a few meters away from the finishing point.
“She was among the 100 pilgrims I moved with, upon reaching the second police checkpoint at the Anglican Shrine, I received a call from my colleagues who were behind me with another Rev Father telephoned me that Alinaitwe just dropped dead near the first checkpoint, she had no illness, her body has been taken to the mortuary we shall see what will follow,” said Rev Katagye.
The Reverend however described Alinaitwe’s death as that of faith since she returned to the Lord while in service. “She has died in faith. She was committed to pilgrimage, no one forced her, it shows that there is time for everything, God has a calendar for everybody,” he said.
Alinaitwe becomes a second pilgrim from Ankole Region to die during this year’s walk after another woman pilgrim who was from South Ankole Diocese was knocked dead by a speeding vehicle in Kiruhura District.
Owoyesigyire confirmed that the body of the deceased was quickly conveyed to the city mortuary Mulago for Postmortem to help establish the exact cause of death.
Do you have a story or an opinion to share? Email us on: [email protected] Or join the Daily Express WhatsApp channel for all the latest news and trends or join the Telegram Channel for the latest updates.
