A 36-year-old Emmanuel Ejadu a resident of Pamba Soroti Municipality is currently nursing his wounds. He is seeking for justice and compensation for medical treatment after a Pick-up vehicle allegedly belonging to the Minister of Internal Affairs Jeje Odong knocked him down, fracturing his right leg instantly. The incident happened on the 17th of March this year along Soroti – Lira road, the vehicle was being driven by Cyrus Walumpeka who was alongside a UPDF soldier attached to Gen. Jeje Odongo. “After knocking me, he reversed to finish me but good enough from there people were many and people were crowded there. And after realizing that people had crowded, they started now to pull guns. They had the guns to depart the crowd. So after reversing, they stepped on my motorcycle and my motorcycle gave their vehicle a puncture and therefore there was no way for them again to reverse until where I was.”
The victim revealed that though the culprits were arrested, the Minister later ordered for their release. “Odongo Jeje the Minister for Internal Affairs came to CPS and told the Policemen to release the driver plus the vehicle and that thing happened. The vehicle was being removed; the number was UAT 777N.” Ejadu was admitted to Soroti Hospital and immediately referred to Kumi Orthopedic Center where he was treated for 5 months. “I want money to continue for treatment.” Efforts to reach Jeje Odongo were futile. Ejadu who is a father of eight says he can no longer care for his family. “I want money to continue for treatment and another thing is I need to be compensated because the work I was doing as a driver, I no longer drive.”
“He came on bond for like five times but up to now, he no longer comes on bond. But for us as Police our files are ready, we have already inspected the motorcycle, we inspected the vehicle and the file is ready to be taken to the State Attorney for sanction.” Said, Michael Odongo – East Kyoga Police Spokesperson.
Charles Elaso the NRM Chairperson Soroti district said he tried to mediate between the victim and the driver. He claimed that the driver agreed to pay 2 million shillings but only paid half of the amount and since went into hiding. “After that, he sent 500,000 to me which I extended to the victim. Then after that, he sent another 500,000 which also I extended to the victim and he received it. But late on, to complete what he had agreed, he had agreed to pay 2 million shillings to extend 2 million shillings for the treatment. But when I followed it up; whenever I call Mr. Walumbeka he was not receiving his phones for quite a long time.” Said, Charles Elaso – Soroti NRM Chairman.
