PALLISA, Uganda — Police in eastern Uganda are investigating a fatal road crash that claimed the life of one man and injured more than a dozen people, including four police officers, along the Pallisa–Tirinyi Road on Saturday.
The accident occurred at Rweta C, Nansenyi, near Victory Secondary School in Pallisa Town Council. It involved a Toyota Hiace, registration number UA 310BX, and a pedestrian.
According to Bukedi North Regional Police spokesperson, ASP Wilfred Kyempasa, the deceased has been identified as Herbert Ekodat, a 23-year-old mechanic from Kagoli Central in Boliso I Sub-county.
Police say Ekodat died instantly after the vehicle veered off the road and overturned into a water trench, landing on him as he walked by.
Four Police Officers Among the Injured
ASP Kyempasa confirmed that several officers traveling in the Hiace were injured in the crash. They include:
- AIP James Okoeot
- Lucky Lajara (CT Tactical)
- Cpl Isaac Anyou Egimo (CT Tactical)
- Alex Ariong (CT Tourism)
Other injured passengers were identified as Ivan Edyou (17), Ronald Ndakalha (23), Catherine Biira (32), Judith Akipo (34), Phionah Kisaka (27), Gerald Kizito (49), John Omongole (35), Mackline Kyeri Kirunda (27), Misaki Kanyesigye (4 months), Silver Oriokot (10), and Viola Ajimo (11 months).
Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was traveling from Kampala to Amuria for an introduction ceremony when the crash occurred.
“Upon reaching Rweta C, the vehicle’s front tyre reportedly burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle veered off the road, knocking the pedestrian who was walking on the opposite side and landing on him in a water trench, killing him instantly,” ASP Kyempasa said.
A team led by IP Chekwoti Immaculate, the District Traffic Officer for Pallisa, visited and documented the scene. A sketch plan was drawn, and the vehicle was later towed to Pallisa Central Police Station for inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles.
The body of the deceased was taken to Pallisa General Hospital for a postmortem examination, where all the injured victims are also receiving treatment.
Police say inquiries into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
