A UPDF soldier died on the spot and another died from injuries after a crash involving the convoy of Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Huda Oleru, on Sunday evening in Kalule, Bombo, Luweero District.
The incident, which occurred at around 7:00pm, triggered a wave of misinformation on social media suggesting that the convoy of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Nobert Mao, had been involved.
Mao has now issued a statement clarifying what happened and distancing his convoy from the crash.
“I am getting many calls from well-wishers expressing concern about my wellbeing following an accident we witnessed on Sunday night at about 7:00pm in Kalule, Bombo, Luwero District,” Mao said, noting that false reports had circulated online linking him to the accident.
According to Mao, the crash was a head-on collision between a lorry and a security vehicle escorting Minister Huda Oleru. He emphasized that he was only an eyewitness.
“I can confirm that there was a head-on collision between a lorry and a security vehicle escorting Hon. Huda Oleru… None of my vehicles was involved but we witnessed the accident and stopped to help the victims,” he clarified.
Mao said he and his team immediately joined other travelers and local residents to rescue the injured soldiers.
“With the help of other travelers and locals, we rescued the escorts and managed to send the injured to Bombo Military Hospital,” he said.
Sadly, one soldier died at the scene after being trapped in the pickup. Mao further confirmed that a second soldier died upon arrival at Bombo Military Hospital, while others remained under treatment.
“We went to Bombo Hospital and confirmed that another soldier had died on arrival. Others are receiving treatment,” he noted.
The minister expressed gratitude to his security detail and members of the public who acted swiftly to save lives.
“I am grateful to my security team who were the first responders. We also thank all those who were at the accident scene and did all they could to help the victims,” Mao added.
Following the incident, Mao reached out to senior defence officials.
“I spoke to Defence Minister Oboth Oboth who instructed the medical teams from Bombo to respond. I also spoke to Hon. Huda Oleru. Her vehicle was not affected by the accident,” he stated.
Mao extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a quick recovery.
“We condole with the families of the deceased soldiers and wish those who sustained injuries a quick recovery,” he said.
The UPDF is yet to release official details about the identities of the deceased soldiers.