Three dead, several injured as vehicle rams into Kadodi dancers
The boys perform during the launch of Imbalu in Mutoto cultural site in Mbale City . PHOTO/Yahudu Kitunzi
What you need to know:
- A speeding vehicle, a black Toyota Harrier, rammed into a procession of Kadodi dancers in Nangwasi cell, Nabumali Town council in Mbale District on Wednesday night
A devastating accident that occurred on Wednesday night along the Lwakhakha-Mbale road in Mbale District, has claimed the lives of three people and injured many more.
A speeding vehicle, a black Toyota Harrier, rammed into a procession of Kadodi dancers in Nangwasi cell, Nabumali Town Council.
According to eyewitnesses and local leaders, the driver lost control of the vehicle as it approached the group of dancers.
"The Police responded promptly, transporting the injured to the nearest hospital, where several remain in critical condition," said Mr Moses Kutosi, the LC3 Chairperson. Mr Kutosi confirmed that three people died on the spot, contradicting initial reports of two fatalities.
The police statement revealed that 13 people were seriously injured, with the deceased taken to Mbale city mortuary and the injured rushed to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for medication.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, exploring possibilities of mechanical failure or driver error.
Ms Juliet Kakai, a resident, emphasised the need for better safety measures to prevent future tragedies during Kadodi celebrations.
"We need to ensure that our cultural events don't become deadly," she urged.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Kadodi dancing, a popular and culturally significant event in the region. Recently, there have been reports of Kadodi dancers vandalising vehicles that attempt to pass through their processions.
The vehicles involved have been taken to Mbale Busoba police yard for inspection.
Past incidences
On September 3, 2022, At least five people were confirmed dead in a road accident at Sarajevo Village, Muyembe Sub-County in Bulambuli District
In September 2022, A group of Kadodi dancers allegedly killed Gerald Chane, 29, and injured several others after chaos broke out in Namakwekwe Ward in Mbale Northern City Division.
In 2006, Seven people died instantly and eleven were seriously injured when a bus rammed into a party of Kadodi dancers on the Iganga- Mbale highway.
In 2018, 10 people were confirmed dead, and scores injured as truck rams into Kadodi dancers in Njeru, Buikwe District.
In 2012, 10 Killed as Commuter Taxi Knocks Kadodi Dancers in Mbale District.
