A hit-and-run driver who allegedly rammed into a motorcycle carrying three Kiswa Primary School pupils and killed the rider has been arrested.
The driver, identified as Dennis Mulema, 33, was arrested by police at Jinja Road Police Division on September 19, 2026, a day after the crash near Muggies Hotel on Mutungo-Biina Road in Nakawa Division, Kampala District.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala said the motorcycle was carrying three pupils from Kiswa Primary School when it was rammed into Mulema’s vehicle on September 18, 2026. The rider died at the scene.
Police preliminary findings indicate that the crash involved a white Toyota Hilux Double Cabin, driven by Dennis Mulema, a resident of Mutungo-Biina, and a motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, identified as Reagan Muhindo, 22, a resident of Kasokoso in Wakiso District, died at the scene.
Three pupils of Kiswa Primary School, aged 7, 13 and 13, were also injured in the crash. Police said the children were travelling towards the Bugolobi area of Nakawa Division, where they were headed to school.
“The injured pupils were rushed to Mulago Hospital for medical attention,” Kawala said.
Police suspect careless driving
According to police, Mulema was driving from Biina towards Mutungo when his vehicle allegedly collided with the motorcycle carrying the three pupils.
The impact killed the motorcycle rider and left the pupils with serious injuries.
Police said the preliminary cause of the crash is suspected to be careless driving, although investigations are still underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision and determine the exact cause.
“Mulema is currently being held by police at Jinja Road Police Station pending completion of investigations and subsequent court proceedings,” Kawala said.
The latest crash adds to concerns over road safety in Kampala, particularly on busy urban roads where motorcycles commonly carry passengers, including schoolchildren.
Police have renewed their call to motorists, motorcycle riders and other road users to exercise maximum caution, observe traffic laws and follow road safety guidelines.
The force said greater compliance with traffic regulations is necessary to prevent avoidable crashes and protect lives on Uganda’s roads.
Traffic death statistics
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety in April 2026 released the traffic death statistics that showed a significant rise.
According to the report, 5,383 Ugandans died in traffic accidents in 2025, translating to 15 daily deaths. This was an increase compared to 5,144 people who perished in road crashes in 2024, which translated to 13 road deaths every day.
According to AIGP Niwabiine, more road crashes were recorded during daytime hours, but the most fatalities were recorded between 6pm and 8pm, totaling 3,484 deaths, while the fewest occurred between 2pm and 3pm with 1,032 fatal crashes.
“The highest number of crashes was recorded in December with 2,443 and the lowest in June with 1,978. Fatalities followed a similar pattern, with the highest recorded in October with 523 and lowest in June with 390. The increased crashes and fatalities during peak periods are attributed to higher travel demand, increased commercial activity, and long travel distances during the festive season,” AIGP Niwabiine said.