By Alexander Mackey Okori
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have released Shs11 million for the burial of former archdeacon of Abim Archdeaconry, Rev. John Bosco Achilla, who was knocked dead by the army vehicle on Christmas Day.
Rev. Achilla, aged 56, was allegedly knocked dead at around 7:00 am at Riamriam cell in Kalaki Ward, Kiru Town Council while on his way to All Saints Church to deliver a Christmas sermon.
The vehicle with registration number H4DF 2383 involved in the accident, belongs to UPDF 5th Infantry Division and was driven by Lance Corporal Isaac Opio alias Onac, attached to the 509 brigade in Abim District.
Lance Corporal Opio and the vehicle involved in the crash are currently held at Abim Central Police Station as investigations to ascertain the cause of the crash are underway.
Rev. Richard Ongom, who served with late Rev. Achilla, told our reporter in a phone interview that the UPDF has covered all burial expenses, including a coffin, food, and transportation of Rev. Achilla’s body.
He said that the army will oversee Rev. Achilla’s burial, which is scheduled for Tuesday December 30, 2025, at his ancestral home in Oyaro North, Kiru Town Council.
According to Rev. Ongom, the burial service, to be led by the Bishop of North Karamoja, Rt. Rev. Simon Aisu, will begin at 10:00 am.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Rev. Ongom stated that although the UPDF has taken care of the burial costs, the relatives and clan of Rev. Achilla are requesting blood compensation.
Rev. Achilla has left behind a window and two daughters, whose education Rev. Ongom is asking the government and well-wishers to support, as the person who was paying their fees has passed away.
Responding to compensation demands, Capt. Ibrahim Sekitto, the Public Information Officer of the UPDF’s 5th Infantry Division said it will be handled by the army top leadership once the investigations into the incident are complete.
He explained that a thorough investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause of the crash and assured the bereaved family, Church and the public that the findings will be communicated once the investigations are complete.
“The driver was arrested and he is being at Abim Central Police Station and we have also constituted a team of UPDF officers to investigate the circumstance under which the crash happened and we appeal to the family, church and the public to be patient with the investigation progress”, Capt. Sekitto urged.
Rev. Achilla eulogized by many including Bishop Aisu as a very obedient and loyal servant of God, served as the Education Secretary of the North Karamoja Diocese and was a curate to the Emeritus Bishop.
He also served at Christ the King Cathedral Parish in Kotido, as well as parishes in Kaabong, Kiru, and All Saints Church–Abim, where he served until his death.
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