Another pilgrim headed for Martyrs day celebrations at the shrines in Namugongo, Wakiso district, has been killed in an accident along the Mbarara-Kampala highway.
The deceased is Jovita Tukahiirwa, 54 a Catholic pilgrim from Kitwe Catholic Parish in Ntungamo district, she died at Akagate trading center between Kiruhura and Lyantonde districts, 135 kilometers into her journey.
Tukahiirwa was walking slightly ahead of 44 other catholic foot pilgrims led by Reverend Father Deo Mugisha, the Kitwe Parish Priest. She attempted to cross to the road to the opposite side but instead got hit by a fast moving Toyota Harrier registration number UBH 186F.
Eye witnesses claim the deceased had already started crossing the road when she witnessed the car running at an Usein Bolt speed, making it difficult for her to run faster.
Reverend Father Mugisha says that the deceased was wearing a reflector jacket just as her colleagues to easily identify them as pilgrims trekking to Namugongo. Rev. Father Mugisha also says thepilgrims were advised prior to their set off to walk as one block in a group.
“But the other group members have proceeded well and we are continuously guiding them on safety from the vehicles and other problems they may encounter on the way,” he says.
Joel Komaketch, the Kiruhura District Police Commander, says that they arrested the driver and impound the vehicle for over speeding on the highway in disregard for the safety of the foot pilgrims and other pedestrians.
“We have consistently been asking the drivers to slow down their vehicle for purposes of securing the pilgrims in this season, but maybe some people are just ignoring our requests,” he noted. He, however, noted that the driver is out on police bond guidance from the Resident State Attorney. Komaketch notes that because some of the foot pilgrims are from typical villages, they are not familiar with traffic guidelines.
Tukahiirwa,’s body has been returned home for a decent burial.
The death comes shortly after a female Anglican foot pilgrim from Rubirizi district in West Ankole Diocese collapsed dead moments after making it to Namugongo Myrtys shine on the mid-Monday morning.
