Arua police on spot for failure to arrest a priest who caused an accident

Police in Arua is on spot for failing to summon and arrest Fr. Pius Yobuta, the Priest of Christ the King Parish, Arua Town for causing accident.

Fr Yobuta's vehicle, a Toyota Premio rammed into passengers on the roadside on Saturday killing one person and critically injuring five others. Eye witnesses say that the vehicle lost control in the hands of a female only identified as Rose, a learner under instruction.

It had three other occupants who all escaped unhurt. The other occupants of the vehicle were identified as Gasper Ezati Ezaruku, a Christian and Rev Father Charles Idraku, the parish priest of Ragem Parish.

The dead is identified as Rukia Nyivuru, a 56 year-old mother of five. The injured include Saidi Siraji, 20, Night Adiru, 20, and three minors, all children of the deceased.

Night Adiru, one of the victims says they were seated by the roadside when they were hit by the car. Adiru says while, the five people were injured, the mother of the three kids died shortly after reaching Hospital.

Adiru adds that the family has decided to transfer the three critically injured children to Mulago hospital, while one is still admitted at Rhema hospital in Arua. She says the three are still on oxygen support.

However, families of the victims are concerned that three days after the tragedy, the vehicle owner, driver and other occupants have not been summoned to police.

When URN visited the police, the accident file had no statement on record. Save for the names of the victims, Father Yobuta and two other occupants, the woman who was driving the car has no identity recorded on file. Family members suspect foul play in the investigation process.

Though Adiru admits that Yobuta paid for the funeral of the dead and is also paying for the medical bills of the injured, she wants the police to act so that justice can prevail.

The Toyota Premio car is currently parked at Arua Central Police Station. Attempts to get official comments from the police proved futile since both the Regional Public Relations Officer for West Nile Josephine Angucia and the District Police Commander were not available in the office.

However, a source within the Police who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to journalists confirmed the accident. He says by the female driver had no driving permit and was undergoing driving lessons.

Our reporter was turned away by lay attendants when he visited Christ the King Parish to speak to Fr Pius Yobuta. Attendants said that the priest couldn't see visitors because he is on bed rest.

-URN