Families who lost their loved ones in a recent road accident along the Mukono–Kayunga highway have expressed deep pain and frustration following the court-ordered release of the man accused of causing the tragedy.
The suspect, Iddi Lumu, a mechanic based in Mukono town, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Gerald Emwogu at the Mukono Magistrate’s Court this week to answer five charges, including reckless driving that caused death, driving without a valid permit, third-party insurance, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The accident, which occurred on the 3rd of this month at around 4:30 pm, claimed the lives of Kalidhi Walakira, a mechanic and younger brother of national athlete Halima Nakayi, and David Ainebyona, a boda boda rider in Mukono town.
The two were riding motorcycle UGG 503G (Bajaj Boxer) when they were hit by a Toyota Hilux pickup truck, registration UAF 636G, allegedly driven by Lumu. Both victims died instantly.
During the hearing, prosecution presented witnesses and its second witness, Traffic Police Officer Matovu, testified that Lumu was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
He testified to personally rescue the accused from a mob that attempted to lynch him before escorting him to the police station.
Although the prosecution objected to his release, Lumu was granted bail by the Grade I Magistrate, Gerald Emwongu.
He was ordered to pay UGX 2 million in cash bail, while his sureties were bonded at UGX 5 million uncash.
The court set September 18 as the date for continuation of the case with more witness testimonies.
The ruling has left the victims’ families devastated. Speaking outside court, Kamadi Makumbi, father to one of the deceased, and Ainebyona’s sister, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, saying they fear justice may not be served.
They further accused Lumu and his associates of showing no remorse, alleging that the accused has mocked and ignored their grief since the fatal incident.
“This man acts as if nothing happened, while we are left to bury our children and carry the pain,” Makumbi lamented.
The families are now appealing to higher judicial authorities to intervene, saying they feel abandoned in their quest for justice.
As the case drags on, the grief-stricken relatives continue to wrestle with the painful loss of their loved ones and the uncertainty of the judicial process.
English 