At least two police officers have died and 13 others injured after a police truck they were traveling on overturned at Lapuda village, Pancho Sub-county, Gulu district. Assistant Superintendent of Police -ASP Faridah Nampiima, the traffic police spokesperson said the truck that overturned and claimed the lives of two police officers had the force registration number UP5568.
ASP Nampiima identified the deceased police officers as Police Constables -Epodoi Pius and PC-Odong D Marvin. The injured corps include ASP Okalebo Joseph, Corporal -CPL Odong Jacob, PC Opio Junior Peter, PC Omara Keneth, PC Okello Daniel, PC Candia James, PC Okura George, PC Ochora Simon, PC Ekoju Vicent, PC Awuzu Vicent, PC Okwera John, PC Okure Abraham, and PC Torach Calvin the driver.
The deceased police officers and those injured are attached to Field Force Unit- FFU. ASP Nampiima said police have embarked on investigations to establish the exact cause of the crash.
President Yoweri Museveni yesterday directed the Inspector General of Police -Martin Ochola to reinstate roadblocks that had been removed in October after traders complained to him said they were delaying the transportation of goods and causing the unnecessary jam.
In the latest orders, Museveni said ever since the checkpoints were removed, incidents of criminality have increased especially cattle theft and movement of contrabands without an interception during night hours. Another reason Museveni has given is that recklessness on roads has increased because of removed roadblocks and this would perhaps skyrocket as the country heads into Christmas and New Year’s festivities.