One dead, three injured in nasty crash along Mbale-Tirinyi highway

Budaka, Uganda: One person died on the spot, and three others were left seriously injured following a road crash involving a motorcycle and a Toyota Hiace at Nandusi Swamp in Lupada along the Mbale–Tirinyi Road in Budaka District on Sunday afternoon.

According to Bukedi North Regional Police Spokesperson, ASP Kyempasa Wilfred, the crash occurred at about 3:20 p.m. on July 19, 2026, involving a white Toyota Hiace, registration UA 666DA, and a Honda motorcycle, registration UGC 366N.

The deceased was identified as Maka Musa, 35, a peasant from Nawongoli A Village in Kaderuna Sub-county, Budaka District. He was travelling as a passenger on the motorcycle and died at the scene.

The injured were identified as Kalugana Paul, 27; Nakudo Asadi, the motorcycle rider; and Dongo Erizefano, 56, all residents of Budaka District.

The victims were initially rushed to Budaka Health Centre IV before being referred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.

According to preliminary police investigations, the motorcycle was travelling from Budaka towards Lupada, while the Toyota Hiace was heading towards Mbale.

Police said that upon reaching Lupada, the motorcycle rider allegedly made an abrupt right turn without first ensuring the road was clear, leading to the collision.

“The rider made an abrupt turn to the right without checking both sides, leading to the collision. Three people sustained injuries while one passenger died on the spot,” Kyempasa said in a preliminary report.

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A team from Budaka Police Station, led by AIP Talunga Topista, visited and documented the crash scene. The body of the deceased was taken to Budaka Health Centre IV Mortuary pending a postmortem examination.

Police also towed both the motorcycle and the Toyota Hiace to Budaka Police Station for mechanical inspection as part of the ongoing investigations.

According to Kyempasa, preliminary findings point to the motorcycle rider’s abrupt turn as the suspected cause of the crash, although investigations remain ongoing.

Police added that the driver of the Toyota Hiace was still at large by the time the preliminary report was filed.