Tragedy Strikes Uganda: Six Lives Lost in 48 Hours – Ministry of Tourism and Police Investigate as Tourists and Locals Die in a Series of Heartbreaking Incidents

KAMPALA, Uganda: In a harrowing turn of events, the Ministry of Tourism and the Uganda Police Force are grappling with a series of fatal incidents that have claimed six lives within a span of just 48 hours, leaving the nation in shock. The incidents, which include a horrifying attack on tourists and several tragic accidents, have prompted authorities to launch thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding these heart-wrenching events.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) issued a statement in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, expressing deep sorrow over one of the most shocking incidents, which took place along Katwe Road at Nyamunuka. In this tragic event, two tourists and their guide met a gruesome end when they were attacked by unknown assailants, who also set their vehicle ablaze. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed, but they include a Ugandan, a UK citizen, and a South African national. The victims were traveling under the banner of the local tour company, Gorilla and Wildlife Safaris.

State Minister for Tourism, Hon. Martin Mugaara Bahinduka, shared the statement, conveying the government’s condolences to the affected families and emphasizing the importance of tourist safety. UWA assured the public that they are collaborating with the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies to unravel the details of the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. They urged the public to allow the investigative process to proceed without spreading unverified information and emphasized that all national parks remain open to visitors.

In a parallel development, the Uganda Police Force issued a statement detailing three separate fatal incidents that occurred within a 48-hour period. These incidents, spread across various locations, led to the loss of precious lives. Different police stations have launched investigations and are taking appropriate actions in response to these calamitous events.

Death by Drowning in Kirombe: A tragic incident unfolded in Kirombe, Butabiika, where Amanya John Baptist, a 7-year-old student, lost his life. The young boy, the son of Sevimbi John Mary, accidentally fell into a fast-running water channel following heavy rainfall. Despite rescue efforts, his lifeless body was discovered in Kirombe zone B. Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) and the Homicide team conducted investigations, and the body was transported to the mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

Death by Electrocution in Ntinda Police Barracks: In another unfortunate incident, retired AIP Oulanya Christopher lost his life while attempting to rescue his daughter and son from an electrical malfunction in Ntinda Police Barracks. Oulanya’s barefoot condition made him vulnerable to the deadly electric shock. The police are currently investigating the incident, and the body has been conveyed to City Mortuary Mulago for a post-mortem examination.

Drowning in Nansana Division: In Nansana Division, yet another tragic incident of death by drowning occurred on the same day. Mukisa Favour, a child, lost her life after playing near a water channel following rainfall. The Nansana Police opened a case file, visited the scene at Katooke A zone, and conducted interviews with the reporter and witnesses before conveying the body to City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

Deputy KMP Spokesman, Luke Oweyesigire, expressed the police’s commitment to conducting thorough investigations into each of these cases and providing answers to the affected families during this incredibly difficult time. As Uganda mourns these devastating losses, the government remains resolute in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and tourists visiting the nation’s protected areas.

Author Profile

Stanley Ndawula: Stanley Ndawula is a two and a half decades’ seasoned investigative journalist with a knack for serious crimes investigations and reporting. He’s the Founding Editorial Director and CEO at The Investigator Publications (U) Limited