By Mike Rwothomio

His Royal Majesty Philip Olarker Rauni III, the Ubimu of Alur, escaped unharmed after a serious road traffic accident early this morning in Alwi Trading Centre, Pakwach District.

According to a press release by the Kingdom’s Communication Officer, David Rupiny, the Thursday September 25, incident occurred around 2:00 AM as the royal convoy traveled to Atyak Winam for a ceremony to bless two vehicles provided by the Government of Uganda.

The crash occurred when the convoy slowed at a road hump. A speeding Fuso lorry, driven by an individual later found to be under the influence of drugs, failed to stop and collided with the Ubimu’s vehicle and the lead car in the convoy.

"The accident occurred when Ubimu Rauni III and his royal entourage were enroute to Atyak Winam for the royal ceremony of blessing (goyu lau iwi) the two vehicles offered to him by the Government of Uganda which had been scheduled for today. As the royal convoy slowed at a road hump, a driver of a Fuso lorry behind was speeding, then lost control and rammed, first into Ubimu Rauni III’s car, and then into the lead car." Rupiny's statement reads in part.

Rupiny reported that the lorry driver attempted to flee but was apprehended by Jimmy Cwinya’ai, Director of Operations, who was traveling in a trailing vehicle.

No injuries were reported among the Ubimu or his entourage. 

"Ubimu Rauni III and his entourage did not sustain any injuries. Royal staff responded to the situation swiftly and Ubimu Rauni III was safely evacuated to the Royal Palace in Atyak Winam where he is carrying out his roles normally.

His Royal Majesty Ubimu Philliph Rauni Ularker III.

Royal staff promptly implemented emergency protocols, escorting the Ubimu to the Royal Palace in Atyak Winam, where he resumed his duties without disruption" He stated.

Pakwach Central Police responded swiftly, detaining the driver and impounding the lorry, Rupiny said.

A full investigation is underway to confirm the driver’s impairment.

Efforts to obtain further details from Pakwach Central Police Station were unsuccessful at press time.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Mike is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot informations