By Alfred Opio
BUDAKA — Police in Bukedi North Region have launched investigations into a fatal hit-and-run road crash that claimed the life of an unidentified pedestrian along the Mbale–Tirinyi Road in Budaka District.
According to a police report filed at Budaka Police Station under reference TSD 06/10/04/26 and TAR 27/26, the incident occurred on the night of April 10, 2026, at Jami Mailo Eight. The exact time of the crash remains unknown, further complicating ongoing investigations.
The case was reported by the District Traffic Officer of Budaka, AIP Topista Talunga, who confirmed that the victim, described as a male juvenile pedestrian, had not yet been identified at the time of reporting. Police have since appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the deceased.
Preliminary findings indicate that the motor vehicle involved fled the scene immediately after the crash, leaving no clear trace of its identity or that of the driver. Both the vehicle and suspect remain unknown.
A team of officers from Budaka Police Station, led by AIP Topista Talunga together with Scene of Crime Officers, visited and documented the scene. Evidence was collected to help reconstruct the events surrounding the accident, although key details remain unclear.
The body of the deceased was taken to Budaka Health Centre IV mortuary, where it awaits a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities hope that forensic findings, alongside information from the public, will help establish both the identity of the victim and the driver responsible.
Bukedi North Region Police Spokesperson Wilfred Kyempasa confirmed that investigations are ongoing and emphasized the importance of community cooperation. “This is a serious incident, and we are doing everything possible to establish what happened. We urge anyone with information to report to the nearest police station,” he said.
The incident has raised concerns among road safety advocates, who warn about increasing cases of hit-and-run accidents, especially at night when visibility is low. The Mbale–Tirinyi Road has previously recorded several accidents, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road safety measures.
As investigations continue, police remain committed to ensuring justice is served. Efforts are underway to trace the driver responsible, while identifying the deceased remains a priority.
Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact Budaka Police Station or report through official police channels.
