Police hunt for errant driver who abandoned ambulance with dead body

Jinja, (UG):- The Territorial Police in Jinja are on a manhunt for the driver of an ambulance who abandoned the vehicle after reckless driving and failing to comply with traffic guidance along Iganga-Jinja highway.

According to a statement released Thursday evening by SP Michael Kananura, the Traffic Police Spokesperson, the ambulance, bearing registration number UBR 148W, was flagged down at a checkpoint in Kakira but refused to stop.

“Despite being stopped at Kakira checkpoint, the driver refused to comply and was later blocked at Wanyange. He abandoned the ambulance, which had 10 occupants & a deceased person on board, and fled the scene,” Kananura said in an update via his official X account.

The occupants, who were left confused by the incident, later hired an alternative vehicle to continue their journey, while the impounded ambulance was taken to Jinja Central Police Station.

Police authorities have vowed to hold the driver accountable, with Kananura asserting that “The driver will face charges once apprehended.”

Police have since argued that ambulances are meant for emergency medical transportation and should not at any time claim right of way by transporting deceased persons.

Mr. Kananura urged drivers to exercise caution and respect the intended purpose of ambulances. “This incident serves as a reminder that ambulances are meant for emergency medical transportation and should not be used to claim right of way or transport deceased individuals,” he warned.