Dokolo urges calm after 3 children are killed 

Dokolo district stakeholders continue to mourn the deaths of their young future resources in a horrific road crash on Monday afternoon.

The deceased were pupils at Dokolo Primary School in Dokolo town council.

Two survivors are currently being treated at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.

SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Region Police PRO, identified the deceased as Jovan Opio, 11, Darius Ogwal, 9, and Erick Adoko, 7.

Evelyn Among, 59, a resident of Abenyo cell, Southern Ward, Dokolo town council, was also killed in the same crash.

The injured are Emmanuella Gum, 9, and Ezanita Alela, both in primary two (P2) at Dokolo Primary School. They are all from Alokiri cell, Southern ward, Dokolo town council.

According to preliminary investigations, the three pupils died on the spot, while the woman died in the hospital.

The killer car, registration number UAZ 298P, was driven by Awira Moses, according to police. He was en route from Dokolo to Kaberamaido.

“Upon reaching Alokiri cell slightly after Dokolo primary school, Awira lost control and knocked three pupils dead and one woman aged 59 years old who later died from Dokolo Health Center IV.

“Two others who were seriously injured were also transferred to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for further medical assistance,” said SP Okema.

David Eryatu, Dokolo’s DEO, stated that the deaths of three pupils have shocked the district education department, citing the loss of future generations of leaders in various fields.

He also urged the school administration and bereaved families to remain calm and patient while police investigate.

“I call upon calmness and patience as police investigate the matter,” he urged.

Dokolo district LC5 chairperson James Otoo Apili has pledged the district’s full support for the affected families.

He also stated that the crash has disrupted district activities, and that it is a difficult time to stand with the families affected.

“It is not easy for the district to accept this sudden loss. Therefore, the district will stand by the affected families,” he added,

However, Apili cautioned the populace against enforcing the law themselves and instead advised them to let the police conduct exhaustive investigations.

He acknowledged that the crash was not intended.

Joel Opota Okuma, the district speaker who also serves as an area councillor for Dokolo town council, explained that the deaths of students have unfortunately disrupted school activities, particularly at this time when the school is preparing for the Primary Leaving Examinations.

He also echoed the spirit of togetherness and unity between the security, district stakeholders, school authorities and families to join hands in handling the fatal situation.

Okuma also cited a similar incident in 2023 at Dokolo Primary School, in which a P7 candidate died after a classroom pillar collapsed on him.

Babra Akech, the Resident District Commissioner of Dokolo, urged the public to remain calm.

“I urge you to keep calm and allow police carry investigations since the suspect is under the custody of Dokolo Central police station,” said RDC Akech.

Currently, the vehicle is parked at Dokolo Central Police Station awaiting IOV inspection.

The fatal incident happened at 1pm.