By Mike Rwothomio

A tragic road traffic accident claimed one life and left two others injured on July 4, 2025, at approximately 6:00 PM near the Beach Trading Center bridge along the Arua-Nebbi Road in Uganda’s West Nile sub-region. 

The Police Force reported that the collision involved a Toyota Hiace (UBK 233Y), a Toyota Landcruiser (066.CD 111), and two motorcycles (UEQ 007P and UPZ 771R).

SP Collins Asea, the North and West Nile sub region Police spokesperson confirmed the incident in a statement, saying " the Toyota Hiace, driven by Nderegimana Richard, 44, was traveling from Arua city toward Nebbi when it collided with the Toyota Landcruiser, which was speeding from Nebbi toward Arua"

Asea added " Eyewitnesses reported that the Landcruiser swerved to avoid a pothole, leading to a chain reaction that caused the Hiace to strike two motorcycles. Asoru Jane, 42, a passenger on the Yamaha motorcycle (UEQ 007P), died instantly. The motorcycle’s rider, Acidri Benson, 61, and the unidentified rider of the Bajaj Boxer (UPZ 771R) sustained injuries and were rushed to Arua Referral Hospital" 

The Landcruiser’s driver fled the scene, and investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the crash.

The vehicles and motorcycles involved were towed to Arua District Police Station for inspection, and the deceased’s body was transported to Arua City Mortuary.

This incident underscores the persistent road safety challenges in the West Nile sub-region, particularly along the Arua-Nebbi Road.

Local residents have repeatedly criticized authorities for failing to address the road’s poor condition, citing numerous potholes as a major contributor to accidents and roadside theft.

A November 2024 report highlighted a fatal crash on the nearby Pakwach–Wadelai–Inde road, where a pregnant woman died after a motorcycle hit a pothole. In February 2025, another woman was injured on the Midigo–Bugo–Kerwa road due to similar road defects.

According to the Uganda Police Force’s 2024 Annual Crime Report, road traffic crashes in Uganda rose by 6.4%, from 23,608 in 2023 to 25,107 in 2024, resulting in 25,808 casualties, including 5,144 fatalities (approximately 14 deaths daily).

Motorcyclists and pedestrians are the most vulnerable, with collisions involving pedestrians accounting for 19.5% of crashes. The report also noted that poor road conditions, including potholes, inadequate signage, and lack of maintenance, significantly contribute to accidents nationwide.

In the West Nile region, roads like Arua-Nebbi and Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo remain in poor condition, exacerbating the risk of crashes.

Call for Action

Residents and leaders in West Nile have urged the Authorities to prioritize repairs on critical routes like the Arua-Nebbi Highway, which connects Uganda to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Police Force extends condolences to the family of Asoru Jane and wishes a swift recovery to the injured as they continue with their investigation and have promised updates as new information emerges.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa