Bugiri fisheries officer killed in highway crash as taxi driver flees

Bugiri District Fisheries Officer Immaculate Wereh died in a road crash that occurred on Monday at Papoli Trading Centre, about 10 miles along the Tororo–Jinja Highway, authorities have confirmed.

The crash involved a passenger taxi, registration number UBR 018F, which reportedly lost control and swerved off the road before overturning several times.

Eyewitnesses said the taxi was travelling from Tororo to Kampala at the time of the crash.

Moses Mugwe, the police spokesperson for Bukedi South region, said the crash occurred at around 1:00pm.

According to preliminary police findings, the taxi driver was allegedly competing for passengers with another taxi that has not yet been identified.

“The taxi that overturned was overtaking when the driver realised a cargo truck was ahead and lost control,” Mugwe said.

He added that information from whistleblowers suggests both drivers had received calls that passengers were waiting at Mile 11, prompting them to rush and compete for business.

“After the accident, even the other taxi did not pick the passengers for fear of being arrested,” he said.

Police said six other occupants of the taxi sustained critical injuries and were rushed to various health facilities, including Tororo District Referral Hospital.

Mugwe noted that the injured had not yet been identified, as they were still in critical condition.

The crash has been linked to speeding, reckless driving and inconsiderate use of the road, although investigations are ongoing.

“We have not concluded on the exact cause, but investigations have been initiated,” he said, urging passengers to be cautious about the transport means they use.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the taxi driver, who reportedly fled the scene.

“We condole with the families of the victims… we are tracing the driver so that he is held responsible for the loss of life and injuries,” Mugwe added.

Road traffic deaths in Uganda rose to 5,383 in 2025, averaging 15 fatalities per day, according to new police statistics released by the Traffic Police in March 2026.