By Jurugo Emmanuel Ogasto
A South Sudanese refugee sustained serious injuries after reportedly knocking a pig while riding along the Adjumani-Gulu highway in Adjumani District.
The victim, identified as Juma Moris Choma, reportedly broke both of his legs during the accident that occurred near Pagirinya Refugee Settlement on Wednesday afternoon.
According to eyewitnesses, Choma was riding from Pagirinya Refugee Settlement heading to Dzaipi to bring a customer when the accident happened about 500 meters from the main stage of Pagirinya.
Residents who witnessed the incident said the boda boda rider lost control after hitting a pig that suddenly crossed the road.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Newspaper, one of the eyewitnesses, Anzo Gilbert, said the victim appeared to be drunk at the time of the accident.
“The rider was moving at a high speed and looked drunk. When the pig crossed the road, he failed to control the motorcycle and fell badly,” Gilbert explained.
Another eyewitness, Florence Dipio, said community members rushed to the scene immediately after hearing people shouting for help.
“We found him lying beside the road in severe pain. Both of his legs looked broken, and he could not stand up,” Florence said.
Dramundu Novan, who also witnessed the accident, urged boda boda riders to avoid alcohol while riding motorcycles, saying many accidents in the area are linked to reckless riding and drunkenness.
“We always advise riders not to drink while riding because it puts their lives and passengers at risk. This accident should serve as a warning to others,” Novan told No. 1 Citizen Newspaper.
After the accident, good Samaritans and fellow boda boda riders organised transport to rush Choma to Gulu Independent Hospital for treatment due to the seriousness of his injuries.
His mother, Jokudu Joyce, described the incident as unfortunate and painful for the family, but appreciated all the people who assisted her son during the emergency.
“As a mother, I feel very sad seeing my son in such a condition, but I thank everyone who helped him and took him to the hospital for treatment,” Joyce said.
Residents living along the highway have repeatedly called for more road safety awareness among boda boda riders, especially concerning speeding and alcohol consumption.
Community leaders say accidents involving motorcycles continue to increase along the Adjumani-Gulu highway because some riders ignore traffic rules and ride under the influence of alcohol.
By press time, the matter had not been reported to any police station, according to residents and witnesses who spoke to No. 1 Citizen Newspaper.