By Mike Rwothomio

His Majesty Ubimu Philip Rauni Olarker III, the King of Alur, has expressed profound condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished speedy recovery to the injured in last week's devastating road accident on the Nyagak River in Zombo District.

The tragedy occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026, when a commuter taxi , registration UBJ 956G, en route from Hoima to Zombo, lost control due to brake failure while navigating a sharp curve approaching the narrow Nyagak Bridge in Nyapea Sub-County. 

The vehicle plunged into the fast-flowing Nyagak River, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

In a statement issued on March 2, 2026, through Kingdom Communication Director David Rupiny, the King extended his sympathies.

“The Ubimu of Ker Alur, His Royal Majesty Philip Olarker Rauni III, and Ker Alur commiserate with the loved ones of the departed and convey sympathies to the families of the injured, wishing them a swift and full recovery.”

The statement further appealed to all road users:“The King appeals to motorists to ensure considerate road use and adherence to traffic rules and regulations.”

The King's message follows ongoing recovery efforts, with the death toll rising to six as of Sunday March 1.

Local divers retrieved two additional bodies late last week on Friday and Saturday , including that of a male adult identified as Mungukende , via documents found on him and another victim named Kasamba.

Search operations, led by community divers, continue amid uncertainty over the exact number of occupants due to incomplete passenger records and the chaotic scene.

Confirmed fatalities include:

Kasamba

Sarah Akello

John Adriko

An unnamed female

Joshua (believed to be the taxi conductor)

Mungukende

West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia earlier said in a statement that several survivors sustained injuries.

Those with serious injuries include Monday Stephen (53, Hoima resident) and Kasamba Ronald (32, Anyola, Hoima). Minor injuries were reported among Thoringo Joyce (35), Orach Santorina, Abiro Rose (45), Acen Scovia (11), and others, including young children as young as three months.

Rescue and Recovery Efforts

Community-led teams of local youths and divers have worked tirelessly since the incident despite limited resources, such as inadequate food, equipment, and support. 

LCI Chairperson Ezenu Ozelle of Mathawele village appealed for support from well-wishers for the local divers continuing with the intensive search.

Local Divers, including Franco Ongewun (aka Rasta) and Brian Mungacel, have appealed for government assistance to sustain operations in the challenging river conditions.

Edward Nyingaling, leader of the local divers, stated on Sunday that searches persist, particularly as the taxi driver's family claims he remains missing.

"We are continuing with the search and indeed if the body is here, we shall discover it or others that might be under the waters," he said.

Investigation and Road Safety Concerns

Police have registered the incident as Zombo TAR 25/2026, with preliminary findings attributing the crash to mechanical failure (brake malfunction) on this high-risk rural route.

The Nyagak Bridge area has a history of accidents, including a similar incident in October 2024 involving a beverage truck.

Road users point to persistent hazards such as sharp curves, steep approaches, narrow bridge design, and insufficient signage as contributing factors to frequent incidents.

Uganda's 2024 Police Annual Crime Report highlighted an average of at least 14 daily road fatalities nationwide, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of vehicle maintenance, speed reductions near bridges and rivers, and infrastructure upgrades on vulnerable rural highways.

Alur King His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III photo.Courtesy.

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