By Alfred Opio
BUDAKA — A motorcyclist has been killed in a tragic road crash along the Mbale–Tirinyi Road in Budaka District, sparking renewed concerns over road safety in the Bukedi North Region.
According to police, the fatal accident occurred on April 28, 2026, at around 3:30 PM at Nandusi Swamp, a known accident black spot along the highway.
The crash involved a black Toyota Harrier, registration number UA 583DJ, and a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, registration number UMA 346HC. The motorcycle rider, identified only as Karim, a resident of Kakule Sub-county, died on the spot.
Preliminary findings indicate that both vehicles were traveling in the same direction from Tirinyi towards Mbale City when the car reportedly rammed into the motorcycle from behind. The impact is said to have dragged the rider for nearly 100 meters before he succumbed to fatal injuries.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver of the vehicle fled the scene immediately after the crash, leaving the victim lying lifeless on the road. The incident has angered local residents, who are now demanding swift action to apprehend the suspect.
Police officers led by ASP Daniel Chemonges, the Budaka District Traffic Officer, responded to the scene, documented evidence, and transported the body to Budaka Health Centre IV for postmortem examination.
The wreckage of both the vehicle and the motorcycle has been taken to Budaka Police Yard, pending inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles.
Wilfred Kyempasa, the Bukedi North Regional Police spokesperson, said preliminary investigations point to over-speeding as a likely cause of the crash, citing long skid marks at the scene.
“This is a very unfortunate incident. We urge all road users to observe traffic rules and avoid reckless driving, especially on highways,” Kyempasa said.
Police have launched a manhunt for the driver and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
The incident adds to a growing number of fatal road accidents in the region, raising urgent calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and greater caution among motorists.
