Government Driver Arrested for Killing Boda Boda Cyclist in Kumi Road Crash

Kumi Central Police Station is holding a government driver in connection with a fatal road crash that claimed the life of a boda boda rider and left another person seriously injured. The accident occurred on the night of May 9, 2026, at Abubur Cell along the Kumi-Mbale road.The suspect has been identified as James Ocheger, a resident of Kachonga Parish in Bukedea District.

He was arrested at the scene shortly after the crash involving a government vehicle, a white Toyota Hilux registration number UG1200560, and a boda boda motorcycle registration number UMA 241AT, a Bajaj Boxer.

According to preliminary police findings, Ocheger was driving towards Bukedea District while the boda boda rider was heading to Kumi town carrying a passenger. Investigators believe the rider attempted to overtake a trailer truck before colliding with the oncoming vehicle.

The boda boda rider died on the spot, while the passenger sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Atutur Hospital for treatment.South Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson Stephen Mukombe confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect is being held to assist with ongoing investigations. “We arrested Ocheger to assist with investigations concerning the death of the boda boda cyclist and the injuries sustained by the passenger,” Mukombe said.

“We are still establishing the district and department to which the government vehicle belongs.” Traffic police officers from both Kumi and Bukedea districts responded to the scene and secured the area before towing the damaged vehicles for inspection. Police say they are still struggling to identify both the deceased rider and the injured passenger because neither had identification documents at the time of the accident.

Mukombe has appealed to members of the public with information about the victims or the circumstances surrounding the crash to cooperate with investigators. “We encourage anyone who may have witnessed the accident or knows the victims to come forward and record statements with police,” he added.

The injured passenger remains admitted at Atutur Hospital in critical condition and is reportedly unable to speak due to the severity of the injuries. Meanwhile, the body of the deceased rider was taken to Atutur Hospital mortuary pending postmortem examination as investigations into the crash continue.