Radio Apac

Rising road carnage on the Lira-Aduku-Apac highway sparks concern

27 August 2024, 8:34 am

Wreckage of the late Lira city clerk’s vehicle on Apac-lira highway.

By Mike Okwang Ogule

Every road user has a role in promoting road safety. Adhering to traffic laws, avoiding reckless driving, and being considerate of other road users are basic responsibilities that can prevent accidents. Public awareness campaigns can educate citizens about the dangers of drink driving, speeding, and distracted driving. Schools and community organisations can also contribute by incorporating road safety education into their programmes.

Lawrence Omara Ogole, a retired Regional Community Liaison Officer for the North Kyoga region, has attributed the recent surge in road accidents on the Lira-Aduku-Apac highway to reckless driving, speeding, poor vehicle conditions, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Speaking out against the rising number of road collisions, Omara Ogole urged the public to strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations to reduce these incidents.

Over the past two weeks, more than seven people have tragically lost their lives on this highway, with many others sustaining severe injuries in multiple crashes. Among those who have died are Charles Dickens Oketa, a prominent businessman based in Aduku, Okuta Bosco, former LCIII chairman of Inomo Subcounty, and Theophilus Tibihika, the former City Clerk of Lira. The accidents have also left several others injured.

During the burial of Charles Dickens Oketa on Monday at Aboko Wigweng village in Aduku Subcounty, which drew thousands of mourners, Geoffrey Alex Ogwal Adyebo, the Kwania district LCV chairman, expressed concern over the increasing number of road accidents. Ogwal Adyebo attributed the rise in accidents to psychological trauma and urged road users to adhere strictly to traffic rules to help prevent further tragedies.

The late Charles Dickens Oketa, who served as the LCI chairman of Aboko Wigweng village and was a devoted member of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party, leaves behind five widows and six orphans. His burial took place at his ancestral home in Aboko Wigweng, Aduku Subcounty, Kwania district.

Throughout the burial service, various speakers, including Kwania woman MP Kenny Auma, Kwania North MP Bob Okae, and Jimmy James Ogwang Oye, the Alany LCV chairman in Aduku town council, paid tribute to Oketa. They remembered him as a friend to many, a transparent leader, and a seasoned politician whose death is a significant loss to the community.