Karamoja is mourning the death of eight footballers in an accident that took place on Saturday in Abim district.
The footballers were traveling for friendly match in Kotido district on Saturday but unfortunately, the truck they were using failed to change gears to climb the hill, making it to roll several times, killing eight players instantly.
Mr. Living Twasagye, the district police commander Abim confirmed the incident, describing it as sad. He said told URN that the incident that took at 3pm in a village called Angorom in Chamkok sub county has paralyzed government activities in the district.
“There were about 100 people who had boarded the truck and that included players and their friends but when the truck reached at Angorom, it failed to change gears forcing it to roll backwards, killing the people,” the District Police Commander said.
According to Mr.Twasagye the police have already opened up general inquiry file of the accident but said preliminary investigations shows that the truck was overloaded and it was also in dangerous mechanical condition.
Mr. Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, the Resident District Commissioner said the incident has happened at a wrong time when the country is warming up for the general elections scheduled on Thursday. He said those injured have been rushed with the army helicopter to Matany hospital for proper treatment.
“President Museveni sent the helicopter to airlift the injure players and they have already been taken to Matany hospital,” he said.
Mr.Jimmy Ocero the district LCV Chairperson of Abim described the incident as unfortunate.
“Its a big loss for the people of Karamoja and Uganda at large and we mourn with the bereaved families,” he said
