Police in Namayingo District are investigating circumstances surrounding a road crash that claimed the life of a 38-year-old Electoral Commission staff on Christmas Day.
The crash occurred at 10am at Walumbe Cell, Nambugu Ward, in Namayingo Town Council, on the Namayingo-Musita road.
According to the Busoga East Regional Police Spokesperson, ASP Michael Kasadha, the crash involved a Toyota Hiace commuter taxi (UBA 289H), a Toyota Harrier (UA 129CE), and an unidentified motorcycle.
‘The drivers of the two vehicles and the motorcycle rider have not yet been identified and are currently on the run,’ ASP Kasadha said.
He identified the deceased as Ochieng Nicholas, an Electoral Commission supervisor and a resident of Mpano B Cell, Bulamba Ward, Namayingo Town Council.
‘Preliminary investigations indicate that the motorcycle was travelling from Namayingo Town towards Mayuge, while the Toyota Hiace was coming from the opposite direction. The Toyota Harrier was joining the main road at low speed from the same side the motorcycle was approaching. In an attempt to avoid colliding with the Toyota Harrier, the motorcycle rider reportedly lost control, veered into the right hand lane, and collided head on with the oncoming Toyota Hiace,’ ASP Kasadha said.
ASP Kasadha said Ochieng, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, sustained a compound fracture and was rushed to Shalom Medical Centre, where he was later pronounced dead.
Traffic officers visited and documented the scene of the accident.
The Toyota Hiace and Toyota Harrier have since been impounded and are parked at Namayingo Police Station pending inspection. Police said the motorcycle involved in the crash has not yet been recovered.
ASP Kasadha said efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the motorcycle rider and the drivers of the two vehicles.
Preliminary police findings point to reckless riding by the motorcycle rider as the likely cause of the crash.
Police have urged road users to exercise caution, especially during the festive season, when traffic volumes are typically high.