Two juveniles were killed on Easter Sunday in Kitagwenda District when a truck they were travelling in overturned while en route to a football match.
The victims, aged seven and thirteen, had reportedly boarded a lorry, registration number UBJ 466T, along with other children who were heading to Ntara Christian Primary School playground to watch an evening football game.
According to the area Local Council I (LC I) chairperson, Ruth Katarihwa, the accident occurred at around 3:00 pm when the driver attempted to make a sharp U-turn, causing the vehicle to overturn.
“The children were excited to go and watch football, but unfortunately the driver made a dangerous turn and the lorry lost balance and fell,” she said.
“It is a very painful incident for our community,” Katarihwa added.
One of the juveniles died instantly at the scene, while the second succumbed to injuries while being rushed to Ntara Health Centre IV.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Ntara Health Centre IV for postmortem examinations as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.
Local leaders have condemned the incident, blaming it on reckless driving and the dangerous practice of transporting children on lorries.
“Drivers must take responsibility for the lives they carry. Overloading and transporting children in unsafe conditions must stop,” the LC I chairperson added.
Authorities have urged the public to prioritize safety, especially during festive periods such as Easter, when the movement of people is high.
