By Hillary Keingana
BUSHENYI/RUBIRIZI; Victims of the devastating 2019 Kyambura fuel tanker explosion may finally see a resolution to their seven-year legal battle following a move toward an out-of-court settlement between their lawyers and the owners of the Kenyan-registered truck.
During a court session held recently, the presiding judge encouraged a reconciliation process, noting that while victims suffered immense losses, the defendants also lost their vehicle and business in the tragedy, according to a source that attended the court in Bushenyi district.
The incident occurred on August 18, 2019 at Kyambura trading center in Rubirizi District and it involved a fuel tanker destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC.) The inferno claimed lives, destroyed homes, and razed numerous businesses.
Jennifer Kyomugisha who survived the inferno says, “The journey has since been one of extreme hardship. After the accident, I sustained injuries, lost my business, and also lost my land.”
“The judge told us that when you lose property in such an incident, you cannot always be paid exactly what you want. We have accepted to take whatever they will give us so we can move on”.
Onesmus Bakesiiga, a wholesale spirit trader who has battled with debts since the fire said, “I had people supplying me on credit who are still claiming their money. I haven’t been able to pay them and they refused to supply me again. We are still struggling with bank loans.”
‘’We have been in court under this case and finally the judge has proposed a remedy. We are happy for the proposal made,” Bakesiiga said.
Bakesiiga disclosed that, “they have already agreed that by 26th June this year they will pay us our money and end each and everything so we are happy with the judges judgment and together with our lawyers.’’
John Tibs Kanyamuhanga, the victims lead counsel, clarified that while a final judgment has not yet been delivered, there is significant progress.
“We originally filed about 11 cases involving 44 victims due to the reckless driving of the truck from Kenya. We have now consolidated all 11 files into one,” Kanyamuhanga explained. He revealed that the defense counsel approached them with the idea of an out-of-court settlement.
“We have agreed to give the defense two months to speak with their clients in Kenya. We shall return to court on June 26, 2026,” Kanyamuhanga said. End
