Uganda Cranes fans celebrate their team. PHOTO/File
KAMPALA, December 9- The death toll from the accident involving the Uganda Cranes bus and a matatu in Mbale has risen to seven, the Daily Monitor reported Wednesday.
The Cranes squad were travelling from Soroti district after meeting President Yoweri Museveni to present the Head of State with the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup trophy at State House after extending their tournament record to 14 on Sunday.
The accident occurred after a front tyre puncture on the Cranes bus that forced it to ram into the Mbale-bound matatu at Jami in Kamonkoli, Budaka District.
A statement on the Fufa website named three players Kezironi Kizito, Denis Okot Oola, Hassan Wasswa Dazo and federation’s head of communications; Ahmed Hussein, as those in the Cranes party that sustained injuries.
The Bukedi Regional Traffic Officer Paul Okongo identified some of the deceased as Charles Mwima, Wahab Nakifuyi, Zainabu Nabusuyi and Samuel Kagulu whereas the rest remain unknown.
“I blame the accident on reckless driving on the side of the Cranes bus driver because he was driving fast. He lost control after one of the bus tyres got a puncture and rammed into the taxi heading to Kampala. The survivors remained severely injured,” Daily Monitor quoted the police boss saying.
Cranes who lost to Harambee Stars 2-0 in the tournament opener lifted the title by beating Rwanda 1-0 in the final at the Addis Ababa National Stadium.
