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Jonathan Odur emphasized the need for transparency, highlighting a pattern of secrecy surrounding accident investigations in Uganda
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Kampala — Jonathan Odur, the Member of Parliament for Erute South, has urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent fuel tanker explosion in Kigogwa and release a detailed report to the public. Odur emphasized the need for transparency, highlighting a pattern of secrecy surrounding accident investigations in Uganda.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Odur expressed concern over the lack of public reports on such accidents, citing a recent high-profile incident involving Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, where an air accident investigation report remains unreleased. He insisted that a comprehensive investigation into the Kigogwa accident should be conducted to ensure that future safety measures can be implemented.
“Government should carry out comprehensive investigations. We can’t rely on personal observations of what took place. What if somebody deliberately opened the fuel to spill over and lit the fire? Accidents in this country are investigated, but reports are often held in secrecy, leaving the public to guess what happened,” said Odur.
The accident claimed the lives of 11 people, including two minors according to police report
His call comes after a devastating incident on October 20, 2024, when a fuel tanker overturned and caught fire in Kigogwa town along the Kampala-Bombo road. The accident claimed the lives of 11 people, including two minors. Most victims were attempting to siphon fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred. Four buildings housing nine shops were also destroyed, with property worth millions lost.
The police, led by spokesperson Patrick Onyango, are conducting a fact-finding mission to determine the number of injured individuals and identify the victims. Onyango reiterated the dangers associated with fuel tanker accidents and stressed the importance of caution when handling hazardous materials.
Odur’s appeal for transparency aims to shed light on the cause of the Kigogwa accident and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Torch Media Africa
