Ugandan footballer dies as six injured in post-match Hoima road crash

The accident, suffered by returning enthusiasts of the high-flying oil city-based club, occurred when a Toyota Wish car they were traveling in crashed at Kakindo Village, just over 10kms from central Hoima.

On Saturday, Kitara FC reported a casualty toll, with spokesperson for the club Geoffrey Tumwesige saying: “The vehicle had seven occupants at the time of the accident. 17-year-old Busiisi FC captain Timothy Kyomuhendo died on spot.”

He added: “One person sustained a minor scratch. Five people were rushed to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital of whom four are improving and able to talk and walk.”

Tumwesigye, who mid-morning Saturday visited the hospital, reported that “the fifth person (female) sustained serious head injuries- and is in critical condition.”

Asked for an update on the tragedy, on-leave Albertine region police spokesperson Julius Hakiiza said he needed time to gather details on circumstances and cause of the accident.

Deadly-chaotic traffic scenes usually erupt whenever Kitara FC picks victory at the Masindi Municipal Stadium- where the Royals currently host their home games, pending completion of their stadium in neighboring Hoima District due mid-2024.

Masindi District and Hoima City are over 50kms geographically apart in mid-western Uganda.
Football followers from across Uganda were Saturday morning still sending their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased to be buried Sunday.

“Most times, emotions tend to overpower our intelligence especially when Kitara wins. We tend to forget all the risks involving reckless driving, but we shall not celebrate the win when we have no lives,” cautioned Kikuube District councilor for Bugambe, Christopher Nkalu.

Injured, age

Winnie Karungi, 34

Enock Musiime, 15

Rodney Mugisha, 20

William Arinaitwe, 28

Pascal Kiiza, 30

Abdul Ngabirano, 42

Meanwhile, victory at the end of their first-round fixtures pushed Kitara FC to the 2nd spot on 29 points from 15 matches but weekend results could influence league position changes.

Log leaders Bul FC host Mbarara City on Saturday while title-chasing Vipers SC play home against Busoga United on Sunday.

Remaining round 15 fixtures

Saturday

Bul FC Vs Mbarara City

Express Vs Gadaffi

NEC FC Vs Arua Hill SC

Wakiso Giants Vs KCCA FC

URA SC Vs SC Villa

Sunday

Vipers Vs Busoga United

Kitara FC returned to the Star Times Uganda Premier League after it was sportingly promoted on May 11, 2023.