By Mike Rwothomio

Local divers have recovered the body of an 8-year-old girl three days after a commuter taxi with registration UBJ 956G, lost control due to brake failure, and plunged into the fast-flowing Nyagak River in Mathawele village, Oyeyu Parish, Nyapea Sub-county, Zombo District.

The single-vehicle off-road plunge occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026, around midday, as the taxi traveled from Hoima to Zombo District. 

The vehicle failed to negotiate a sharp curve near the narrow Nyagak bridge, resulting in submersion and passengers being trapped or swept by strong currents.The number of the taxi occupants still remain unclear due to thinly-sliced information.

The recovered victim is Sarah Akello, 8, identified by her grandfather Charles Opoka from Kapapi sub-county, Hoima District. She was among five family members aboard, her mother, two siblings, and uncle, heading to their ancestral home in Oliri Parish, Kango sub-county, Zombo District, with heavy luggage including livestock.

A community-led search and rescue operation, spearheaded by local divers and sand miners under leader Edward Nyingaling, began immediately and continued nonstop.

Local divers transport the body to a waiting police van at Nyagak river on February 25, 2026.Photo.Mike Rwothomio

The body was located floating at approximately 4:00 PM on Wednesday, February 25, with relatives arriving shortly after to confirm identification.

Nyingaling stated: “We started our search on Monday throughout yesterday and today Wednesday, we indeed discovered the little girl floating. Good enough, the relatives arrived few moments later.” 

He appealed for financial support, citing shortages of food and resources for the volunteer team amid the prolonged effort to locate remaining missing persons.

Area LCI Chairperson Ezenu Ozelle of Mathawele village praised the team's hard work and requested government assistance to sustain operations.

Charles Opoka, the deceased grandfather speaking emotionally at the riverbank, described rushing to Nyapea Hospital on Tuesday, February 24, finding his wife and one child receiving treatment. 

He revealed that one of the deceased's younger brother John Adriko remained missing.

" Im even receiving news that my elder brother who was travelling with the deceased and others have succumbed to injuries after transfer to St. Mary's Hospital Lacor in Gulu" Opoka disclosed ,adding the body is being transported to Hoima.

Opoka added " the body is indeed for my grand daughter, she is the one", pledging more support for the continued searches.

Around 4:30 p.m. on February 25, police, District Council Speaker Hassan Ringtho , and relatives transported Sarah's body to Nyapea Hospital for autopsy.

Divers have vowed to persist in recovery efforts for any remaining victims.

Injury Update

West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia earlier listed eight rescued and injured victims receiving treatment at Nyapea Hospital:

Serious injuries

 Monday Stephen, 53, male, Hoima resident  

Kasamba Ronald, 32, male, Anyola, Hoima

Minor injuries 

Thoringo Joyce, 35, female  

Orach Santorina, female  

Abiro Rose, 45, female  

Acen Scovia, 11, female  

Adubango Florence, 32, female  

Maditrwoth Crispa, 4, male juvenile  

Anyomirwoth, 3 months, female juvenile  

Atyeronimungu Gladys, 22, female  

Semirwoth, Anyola resident  

Amiki Godfrey, 22, male 

Enzu Stephen

Local leaders, including Oyeyu Parish Councilor Joe Ubedgiu, reported some victims responding well to treatment.

Investigation

Preliminary findings attribute the crash to brake failure, with inquiries ongoing under Zombo TAR 25/2026.

This tragedy recalls a similar October 2024 incident at the same spot, where a beverage truck plunged into the river after a head-on collision, highlighting persistent safety risks on this rehabilitated but accident-prone stretch, marked by sharp curves, steep approaches, and inadequate signage.

Uganda's 2024 Police Annual Crime Report noted an average of at least 14 daily road fatalities nationwide, renewing calls for stricter vehicle maintenance, reduced speeds near bridges and rivers, and enhanced caution on high-risk rural routes.

Local divers transport the body to a waiting police van at Nyagak river on February 25, 2026.Photo.Mike Rwothomio

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