Nakawa-based used car and vehicles dealer YUASA was sued in High Court for negligently causing the death of 11 people. The 14 surviving family members of those who were killed, who filed the suit January 15, are demanding sh45.45 million for burial expenses and sh17.75 million for the treatment of the injured.
According to New Vision, the mishap happened January 24, 2015 along the Kampala-Gulu highway in Uganda. Eleven people died and four more others escaped with major injuries after a Toyota Prado car that belongs to YUASA rammed into the victims' Toyota Hiace head on. The Prado, which was driven by YUASA employee Frank Amanya, was in the wrong side of the road and at break neck speed for trying to overtake four other vehicles.
Those who were killed where 40-year-old Gregory Nsereko, Lawrence Kakinda 46, Annet Nalwoga 40, Teopista Nabibi 70, Winfred Nalule 35, Sande Luzinda 72, Fiona Nanyonjo 45, Sarah Nakaweesa 28, Joshua Male 45, John Mugonza 40, and a one-year-old infant Oliver Nansereko. Those who survived with grave injury were Harriet Nakalembe, Patrick Kaweesi, Gorreti Namale, and Lawrence Sebuliba.
It seems like this is not the only accident that happened in the Kampala-Gulu highway in Uganda. Just this January 2, All Africa reported that former Health minister Dr. Henry Benjamin Obonyo, his wife Kevin Obonyo, and their daughters Elizabeth and Majorne, died when their Super Custom van overturned in Bobi Sub-county, south of Gulu Town.
Croydon Guardian wrote that the doctor's two other daughters and four grandchildren survived the crash, but suffered injuries. Obonyo was a prominent personality in Uganda for his role against the dictator Idi Amin in the 1970s. Thousands of people gathered during his funeral.
Meanwhile, Weteka, Kibirango and Co. Advocates claims that the January 24 michap was Amanya's fault, which means YUASA should pay for the damages. The family said they suffered immeasurable pain and they now have dependents to take care of. Deputy Registrar, Alex Ajiji has sanctioned criminal summons against YUASA and Amanya.
