Kigoogwa Fire Incident: Police Hands Over 11 Remains to Relatives After DNA Analysis

#IvanKaahwaReports

The Uganda Police Force has confirmed that 24 individuals perished in a fuel tank accident on the Kampala-Bombo Highway in Kigoogwa. Of these, 11 victims were burned beyond physical recognition, prompting the police forensics department to conduct DNA analyses that successfully matched the remains with their relatives.

The relatives retrieved the remains of their loved ones from Mulago City Mortuary, an experience filled with agony and sorrow. Unfortunately, Assistant Inspector General of Police Moses Byaruhanga stated that they are holding a set of three feet believed to belong to juveniles whose bodies were not recovered from the incident scene.

He indicated that these remains will be retained until family members come forward for DNA matching.

The police also profiled details of each individual to ensure a comprehensive list is submitted to the government for any necessary arrangements to extend support.

During the handover of the 11 bodies at Mulago Hospital, some relatives experienced misunderstandings over who should receive the condolence funds from the government. One notable case involved a family where DNA samples matched the mother but not the father, leading to heightened tension at the mortuary. Another situation arose when a woman whose husband had abandoned her resurfaced to claim the funds, despite her being supported by her current partner. She argued that the money should be allocated to her since she had single-handedly raised their child. These incidents highlight a broader challenge in viewing government support as personal funds.

The Minister of State for National Guidance Godfrey Kabbyanga, representing the Prime Minister, stated that the 5 million shillings provided to each family that lost a loved one was intended to help cover burial expenses, with disbursement occurring at the burial sites. He emphasized that this support reflects the government’s human commitment to assist citizens in times of sorrow, but it is not a policy initiative.

The minister also cautioned against reckless driving, noting that improved road conditions can tempt drivers to speed. He commended the Uganda Police for their prompt response to the incident and acknowledged the role of journalists in disseminating information.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Luke Owoyesigyire revealed that investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing. Eyewitness accounts suggest that a person who had collected fuel from a leaking tank slipped, causing petrol to spill onto a charcoal stove, which ignited the explosion. The driver of the fuel vehicle remains at large.

Furthermore, Minister Kabbyanga delivered 5 million shillings in condolences from the president to a family in Kayiringito-Katosi, Mukono District, which lost a member in the explosion. The deceased woman died along her two children who will be buried in Luuka District, where an additional 10 million shillings will be provided by government officials.

Other ministers, including Hon. Alice Kaboyo (State Minister for Luwero and Rwenzori Triangle), Balaam Barugahara (State Minister for Youth), and Huda Oleru (State Minister for Veteran Affairs), have been dispatched to offer support to bereaved families in various regions. #IvanKaahwaReports