By URN
The security in Kiryandongo district is investigating several impostors flocking to the area to claim compensation for the victims of the Kampala-Gulu highway accident.
The accident occurred last week on Wednesday morning in Kitaleba village near Asilli’s farm in Kiryandongo sub-county, Kiryandongo district, along the Kampala–Gulu highway. 46 people died and 67 others injured.
President Museveni pledged to provide five million shillings to each of the families that lost their relatives in the fatal accident.
Jonathan Akweteireho, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, says the security in the district is investigating suspected impostors who falsely claim the money promised by the President.
He says several impostors from Kampala, Gulu, Yumbe, and Terego have approached Kiryandondo police and Kiryandongo hospital claiming to be relatives of the deceased persons and want to benefit from the presidential pledge.
Others have been calling the verification team members claiming the money pledged by President Museveni.
He says some of the people’s statements and details do not add up with what close relatives of the deceased and injured persons availed to security.
He has cautioned the bereaved families not to share details of the deceased person with people not known to them.
According to Akweteireho, even on the accident day, many people flocked to the accident scene and looted various items, including laptops, phones, and money belonging to the deceased persons.
A police officer on the verification team who spoke to URN on condition of anonymity says they are currently investigating and tracking several individuals.
Kiryandongo District police Commander (DPC) Stephen Ojok says the impostors have started conning the bereaved families, promising to connect them to the verification team.
He said the details of the deceased and injured persons are being thoroughly verified and profiled before they are sent to the State House and office of the prime minister, before the payment is made.
According to the DPC, a competent team including officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Internal Security Organization (ISO), Kiryandongo hospital management, and the Traffic police has been instituted to verify relatives of the deceased persons.
Authorities have urged public transport operators to adhere to speed limits and exercise greater caution to prevent similar disasters.
