In a decisive move following a tragic road accident, police have suspended the National Unity Platform (NUP) party's nationwide tours. The halt comes after a fatal crash on the Kampala-Masaka highway involving multiple vehicles and motorcycles that were part of a motorcade for the National Unity Platform (NUP) president's procession.
The accident, which occurred on May 31, 2024, around 10:00 a.m. near St Lawrence College, Maya, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left several others injured. The collision involved a Toyota Hiace (UBQ 691Q), a Toyota Noah (UAT 157A), and four motorcycles, including registration numbers UFY 983T, UGC 381C (Bajaj Boxer), UEJ 361D (Bajaj), and UFY 465Y (Bajaj Boxer Red).
According to Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesman Luke Owoyesigyire, the preliminary investigation indicates that reckless driving by the Toyota Hiace, which was part of the NUP procession, triggered the accident. The Hiace collided with the Toyota Noah and then struck several motorcycles, leading to immediate fatalities at the scene.
The deceased, including the rider and passenger of motorcycle UFY 465Y, have been transported to City Mortuary Mulago Kampala for postmortem examinations. Another victim who succumbed to injuries after being rushed to Mulago Hospital.
"The drivers of the impounded vehicles fled the scene and are currently at large," said Owoyesigyire. "Efforts to apprehend them are ongoing, and both vehicles have been secured at Nsangi Police Station."
In response to the incident, police have halted all further NUP consultative activities until a thorough investigation is concluded. This decision follows a prior agreement between police leadership and NUP on May 27, 2024, outlining how the party should conduct its consultative meetings.
However, today's events demonstrate a clear breach of this agreement, attributed to the recklessness of drivers and riders in the procession.The police urged NUP to exercise greater caution during their activities to avoid such tragic incidents in the future.
They also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and adhere to the law, warning that any actions compromising public order and safety would be met with accountability under Ugandan law.
"As the government agency mandated to protect life and property and maintain law and order, we are committed to ensuring the safety of all Ugandans," Owoyesigyire emphasized. "Today's unfortunate incident underscores the necessity of this commitment."
The investigation continues as police work to identify the injured victims and assess their conditions, ensuring that the full extent of the incident is understood and addressed.
