By Mike Rwothomio 

A nerve wrecking road traffic accident claimed the lives of four young students early Wednesday morning in Uganda's North West Nile Region, highlighting ongoing concerns over reckless driving and road safety amid ongoing construction.

The fatal crash occurred at approximately 07:10 hours in Odriga, Bileu Ward, Yumbe Town Council, along the Koboko-Yumbe Road.

The deceased have been identified as:

Andezo Faridah Ismail, female, 18, a Senior 3 student at Aringa Secondary School, Yumbe, Majuma Queen, female, 6, a pupil at St. Daniel Primary School, Yumbe, Manisur, female, 4, a pupil at St. Daniel Primary School, Yumbe.

Tairani, male, 10, a pupil at St. Daniel Primary School, Yumbe.

According to North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, the incident ubder Reference: TSD 03/26/11/2025; TAR 44/2025), involved a black Toyota Wish with silver accents, registration UA 033 AK, driven by 20-year-old Wajarasu Sharif from Yumbe Town Council.

Asea added that, the vehicle collided with a Bajaj motorcycle, registration UG 5831C, ridden by 42-year-old Adiga Manisur from Giso Lobe Town Council, Yumbe District.

He said Preliminary investigations indicate that Sharif, traveling from the Moyo direction, lost control of his vehicle, leading to a head-on collision with a pedestrian and the motorcycle, which was transporting two pupils to school.

Asea also noted that the impact caused the Toyota Wish to overturn, resulting in multiple fatalities,adding that One pupil was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other victims succumbed to their injuries shortly after.

SP Collins Asea, North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, attributed the accident to reckless driving. "It is alleged that the driver of the vehicle lost control at Odriga in Yumbe, colliding with a pedestrian and a motorcycle rider transporting two pupils to school," Asea stated. He added that the vehicle's rollover exacerbated the severity of the incident.

Emergency responders rushed the injured to Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital for treatment. 

The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to the hospital's mortuary for postmortem examinations.

The scene was attended by officers led by the District Traffic Officer (DTO) Yumbe, where it was sketched and photographed for evidentiary purposes.

Both vehicles have been impounded at Yumbe Police Station awaiting inspection by the Investigating Officer.

Police are urging all road users to exercise caution, adhere to speed limits, and comply with traffic regulations, particularly on routes under construction like the Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo corridor.

"Caution and patience are highly advised," Asea emphasized.

This incident adds to Uganda's grim road safety statistics. According to the police annual crime report for 2024, an average of 14 people perish daily in road accidents nationwide, often due to factors such as speeding, poor road conditions, and driver negligence.

North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SP Collins Asea confirmed the incident.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub.