Two families are in distress following the release of a young man accused of causing the deaths of their loved ones in a road accident along the Mukono–Kayunga highway.
Grade One Magistrate Gerald Emwogu ordered the release at the Mukono Magistrate’s Court.
The accused, Iddi Lumu, a mechanic based in Mukono town, appeared before the magistrate to respond to five charges: Reckless driving that led to fatalities, driving without a permit, driving a vehicle without third-party insurance and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The deceased included: Kalidi Walakir, a mechanic in Mukono, a younger brother of national athlete Halima Nakayi and David Ainebyona, a boda boda rider in Mukono town.
They were travelling on a motorcycle UGG 503G (Bajaj Boxer) when they were hit by a Toyota Hilux pickup truck, registration UAF 636G, allegedly driven by Lumu.
Today, the prosecution presented a second witness, a traffic police officer identified as Matovu, attached to the Mukono Traffic Police Department. He testified that the accused, Lumu, was intoxicated at the time of the accident and that he personally rescued Lumu from a mob that was attempting to lynch him, then escorted him to the police station.
Lumu requested bail, and although the prosecution initially objected, the court eventually granted it with conditions. Lumu was released on a cash bail of UGX 2 million, and his sureties were bonded at UGX 5 million uncash
The families of the victims, led by Kamadi Makumbi (father) and Ainebyona’s sister, expressed deep dissatisfaction and fear following Lumu’s release. They appealed to higher judicial authorities to intervene, fearing they may not receive justice. They also reported that the accused and his associates have shown no remorse and have even mocked and ignored the grieving families since the incident.
The accident reportedly occurred on the 3rd of this month at around 4:30 PM along the Kayunga road. Lumu’s vehicle allegedly lost control and rammed into Walakira and his companion, killing them instantly.
The case will resume on the 18th of this month for further witness testimony.
