Two families faced off in Mukono Magistrates Court after a road accident on the Mukono-Kayunga highway killed two people. Iddi Lumu, a mechanic, was arrested and remanded for causing the accident.
Mukono, Uganda – Tension and sorrow filled the Mukono Magistrates Court as two families faced off following the tragic death of two people in a road accident along the Mukono-Kayunga highway. The incident led to the arrest and remand of Iddi Lumu, a mechanic from Mukono Town, who is accused of causing the accident that claimed two lives.
Presiding over the court, Chief Magistrate Gerald Emwogu charged Lumu with five traffic offenses, including two counts of manslaughter for causing the deaths of the victims. The other charges are driving without a valid permit, driving a vehicle without third-party insurance, and reckless driving.
The victims have been identified as Kalindi Walakira, the young brother of renowned Ugandan musician Halima Nakayi, who was also a mechanic in Mukono Town, and David Ainebyona, a boda-boda rider. Reports indicate that the two were traveling on a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle registration number UGG 503G when they were hit by a Toyota Hilux pickup truck registration number UAF 636G, allegedly driven by Lumu.
During the court session, the state prosecutor, Christine Atukunda, presented Police Constable Matovu as the second witness. Matovu testified that Lumu, the driver of the pickup truck, had lost control of the vehicle and hit the motorcycle. He further stated that Lumu was rescued by bystanders from an angry mob intent on lynching him and was subsequently handed over to the police, where he was detained.
Lumu’s defense lawyer requested court to grant him bail, but the state prosecutor objected to the application, arguing that the investigations were still ongoing. She instead asked the court to remand the accused to allow for further inquiries.
Chief Magistrate Emwogu denied Lumu bail and remanded him until September 22nd. He also extended bail to the sureties who had been approved to pay five million shillings each.
The families of the victims, led by David Ainebyona’s father, Mr. Makumbi, and his sister, expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s decision to grant bail to the accused. They called for higher judicial authorities to intervene in the matter, citing fear and frustration over the possibility of Lumu being released. They also accused Lumu’s family of intimidation and harassment since the accident occurred, claiming that they have received no support or compensation for their loss.
The tragic accident occurred on the 3rd of this month at around 10:30 AM on the Kayunga road. According to witnesses, Lumu’s vehicle veered off its lane and collided with the motorcycle, instantly killing Walakira and Ainebyona.
The case has been adjourned to September 18th for further hearing of additional evidence.
