Two young football players, Asuman Kilabala, known as Kibazo, and Ashiru Agaba, tragically lost their lives this morning in a collision on the Mbarara Lyantonde road. Both players were active members of the Kitunga League and also students at Bishop Stuart University.
The Kitunga League, initiated by alumni of Muntuyera High School Kitunga, serves as a platform for young football talent in the region. Kilabala played for Potts FC, while Agaba represented Kahonda FC, both teams competing within the league.
The accident involved two vehicles: a Toyota Spacio and a Tata lorry. The Toyota Spacio, reportedly speeding and drifting from its lane, collided with the Tata lorry, which was traveling in the opposite direction. The driver of the Tata lorry has been identified as Gessa Abaala Abdala.
Eyewitness Marvin Orishaba described the Toyota Spacio’s excessive speed and misjudged cornering, leading to the fatal collision. Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi region police spokesperson, confirmed the deaths of Kilabala and Agaba, with two other occupants of the Toyota Spacio sustaining severe injuries.
Davies Mishare, the coordinator of the Kitunga League, announced the postponement of scheduled games to accommodate the funeral arrangements for the deceased players. Efforts to identify the victims continue, while the bodies have been transported to Kasambya mortuary for postmortem examinations.
The injured victims have been rushed to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for treatment, thanks to the assistance of good Samaritans. The motor vehicles involved have been towed to Sanga Police Station for inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles.
