National • 27 December 2025

Uganda: Church Alleges Drunk UPDF Driver Caused Death of Anglican Priest in Abim

The Anglican Church in Abim has alleged that the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) driver who knocked dead Rev. Bosco Achilla was drunk at the time of the fatal accident.

Rev Canon Richard Ongom, who served alongside the late Rev Achilla at All Saints Anglican Church in Abim Town, said the priest's death was avoidable and blamed what he described as reckless driving by a drunken driver.

"My colleague was supposed to be alive today," Rev Ongom said. "This death was avoidable. Why should a drunken person be allowed to drive a government vehicle?"

The fatal accident occurred in Akado, Kiru Town Council, as Rev. Achilla was riding his motorcycle to church when he was knocked dead by a UPDF vehicle.

Church officials and residents say the military vehicle veered off its lane before crashing into the priest.

A visit to the scene by this reporter found fresh tyre and braking marks on the road, indicating that the UPDF vehicle swerved shortly before the impact and crossed into the opposite lane.

Rev. Ongom condemned the incident as reckless and irresponsible, calling on authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

"Such recklessness must be punished," he said. "We want justice for our fallen brother and for his family."

Police sources in Abim confirmed that the driver of the UPDF vehicle has been arrested and is currently in custody to aid investigations.

The army vehicle involved in the crash has also been impounded as inquiries continue.

The death of Rev. Bosco Achilla, an Anglican priest, has left the Abim community in mourning, with church leaders and residents calling for stricter enforcement of road safety laws and greater accountability for drivers entrusted with government vehicles.