Pakwach, Uganda: Three Muni University staff members died in a Saturday fatal road crash along the Pakwach–Arua Highway in Nyapolo village, Alwi Sub-county, in Pakwach District, police have confirmed.
The accident occurred at about 1:40pm on Saturday and involved a white Toyota Double Cabin, registration number UBF 850H, belonging to Muni University, and a SINO truck, registration number UAW 523Z, operated by China 18th Railway Construction Company.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Muni University Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini, confirmed the tragedy, saying the entire institution was devastated.
“On behalf of the University Council, Senate, Management, Staff and Students and on my own behalf, I announce with profound sorrow the tragic death of three staff members of Muni University. Burial arrangements will be communicated,” he said.
According to West Nile Regional Police spokesperson SP Jimmy Anguyo Baiga, the Muni University vehicle was being driven by the late Acidri Kennedy when it collided head-on with the truck.
The deceased have been identified as Rev. Acema Patrick, the university chaplain; Acidri Kennedy, the driver; and Opio Washington, the sports officer at the institution. Their bodies were taken to Pakwach Health Centre IV for postmortem examination.
Two other occupants of the vehicle, Oriba Bruno and Enayo Victor, sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Pakwach Health Centre IV.
Police said preliminary findings indicate the university vehicle was traveling from Kampala to Arua on official duty when the tragic collision occurred. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Arua Central Division Member of Parliament, Jackson Lee Atima, raised concern over the poor state of the Pakwach–Nebbi–Arua road, which he said continues to contribute to fatal accidents in the region. Speaking at the World Tourism Day celebration in Arua City on Saturday, where Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja was chief guest, Atima called for urgent government intervention.
“We need urgent intervention to address the poor state of our roads, which is claiming lives,” he appealed.
The crash comes just two days after the King of Alur Kingdom, Phillip Olarker Rauni III, survived a separate road accident on the same highway while returning from Kampala.
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