UPDF soldier falls to death at Entebbe Airbase

A UPDF soldier returning home from Somalia died and another sustained serious injuries following an accident involving a DAS Handling Services baggage cart (dolly) at Entebbe Airbase.

Sgt. Fred Opio, who hails from Lira and Livingstone Wagwabi from Butaleja had secured passes from their commanders in Somalia to temporarily return home.

The accident happened on Saturday evening. Sources revealed that Opio had returned to attend to his sick wife.

A witness who preferred anonymity said: “They returned home with some merchandise. At the airbase, they climbed onto the cart where the goods had been loaded, but somehow fell off as the truck was moving.

“They were rushed to Victoria Medical Centre from where Opio was pronounced dead at around 7:00pm on Saturday. Wagwabi was transferred to Bombo Army Hospital.”

The Victoria Medical Centre in-charge only identified as Sr. Elizabeth declined to comment on the matter.

A witness revealed that Opio fell off and crushed his head while Wagwabi lost his right-hand fingers and sustained a serious injury on the face.

DAS Handling Services supervisor Steven Kule called it an accident.

“This was purely an accident. When the cargo was loaded onto the palate atop the dolly, the soldiers insisted that they wanted to sit on top of their cargo and escort it despite being advised otherwise.

“When they insisted, the driver chose to drive. They were probably not holding onto the palate properly and they slid off.”

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda said a committee to probe the cause of the accident has been set up.

Source: Newsnow