A tragic road accident along the busy Mbale–Tirinyi Highway has left one person dead and three others seriously injured after a motorcycle collided with a Toyota Hiace vehicle in Budaka District.
The fatal crash happened on Sunday afternoon at Nandusi Swamp in Lupada, along the Mbale–Tirinyi Road, causing grief among residents and road users in the area.
According to police reports, the accident occurred at around 3:20 p.m. and involved a white Toyota Hiace with registration number UA 666DA and a Honda motorcycle registered UGC 366N.
Bukedi North Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Kyempasa Wilfred confirmed the incident, saying one person lost his life at the scene while three others sustained serious injuries.
The deceased was identified as Maka Musa, aged 35, a resident of Nawongoli A Village in Kaderuna Sub-county, Budaka District.
Police said Musa was travelling as a passenger on the motorcycle when the collision happened. He died instantly due to the impact of the crash.
The injured victims were identified as Kalugana Paul, 27, motorcycle rider Nakudo Asadi, and Dongo Erizefano, 56, all residents of Budaka District.
Following the accident, the injured victims were rushed to Budaka Health Centre IV for initial treatment before being referred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for further medical attention.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the motorcycle was travelling from Budaka towards Lupada, while the Toyota Hiace was moving in the opposite direction towards Mbale.
Police said that when the motorcycle reached the Lupada area, the rider allegedly made a sudden right turn without ensuring that the road was clear.
The unexpected turn reportedly caused the motorcycle to collide with the approaching Toyota Hiace, leading to the death and injuries recorded.
ASP Kyempasa explained that the rider’s failure to properly check the road before turning is being considered one of the possible causes of the crash.
Police officers from Budaka Police Station, led by AIP Talunga Topista, visited the scene to document evidence and begin investigations into the accident.
The body of the deceased was taken to Budaka Health Centre IV Mortuary where it awaits a postmortem examination.
Authorities also impounded both the motorcycle and the Toyota Hiace and transferred them to Budaka Police Station for mechanical inspection.
Police said the inspection will help determine whether mechanical failure played any role in the accident.
By the time of the preliminary report, the driver of the Toyota Hiace had reportedly not been found and was still at large.
Police have continued investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash and identify any possible responsibility.
The accident has once again raised concerns about road safety along the Mbale–Tirinyi Highway, which has witnessed several crashes in recent years.
Authorities have continued urging motorists and motorcycle riders to exercise extra caution on the roads, especially when making turns, overtaking, or travelling through busy highways.
Road users have also been reminded to respect traffic rules, avoid reckless driving, and prioritize safety to prevent unnecessary loss of lives.
As investigations continue, residents of Budaka District are mourning the loss of Maka Musa while hoping for the quick recovery of those injured in the unfortunate accident.
