President Yoweri Museveni has asked owners of the vehicles that were involved in Rubirizi fuel tanker accident to compensate the victims.
On August 18, 2019, a fuel tanker vehicle heading to Kasese overturned after and burst into flames after its driver lost control at Kyambura trading centre in Kicwamba sub-county, Rubirizi district.
The fire exploded and burnt two taxis that were loading passengers at a nearby stage. It also burnt five buildings that were housing eight shops. A total of 26 people are believed to have perished in this fire as per the current report.
According to Greater Bushenyi Police spokesperson Martial Tumusiime, bodies that were recognised by their relatives were buried instantly, however, those burnt beyond recognition were buried on Sunday in a single grave while others are still subjected to DNA tests.
While commiserating with the residents of Kyambura on Sunday, Museveni said that owners of vehicles involved in accidents must compensate victims because most accidents are caused by poor mechanical conditions of the cars.
“My responsibility is not to compensate accident victims but to offer assistance to the families, compensation must be done by owners of the vehicles involved in accidents,” said Museveni adding that all cars must have comprehensive motor Third Party insurance.
He also asked the police to issue out a quick report on the Rubizilizi accident to see which vehicles had Third Party insurance.
“What is the role of the Third Party insurance, this is very absolute and many vehicles are on the road without it but they are carrying people. How do you handle accidents on this road?” Museveni asked traffic Police in Rubirizi.
President also promised to give Shs5 million to each family that lost a relative in the accident, while those that sustained injuries will get Shs1 million each.
