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In a heart-wrenching incident, a hit-and-run road accident in Nakasongola District on Tuesday evening claimed the lives of four people, including a Gombolola Internal Security Officer (GISO) and a local village leader. The accident, which occurred in the evening hours along the Nakasongola Army Barracks Road, has left the entire community in shock.
The deceased individuals have been identified as David Semanda, 35, the GISO of Lwanga Town Council, and Robert Mande, 60, the Local Council I (LC I) Chairperson of the same area. Both men died on the spot after being involved in a fatal collision with an unknown vehicle while riding a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. The motorcyclist, Semanda, was reportedly hit from behind by a speeding car, resulting in the tragic deaths of both him and his passenger, Mande.
According to police, the accident occurred at around 7:30 p.m. in Molwe Village, Nakasongola Town. Early investigations suggest that the motorcycle and the unknown vehicle were traveling in the same direction when the crash occurred. The speeding vehicle collided with the motorcycle, causing it to crash. Both Semanda and Mande, who were not wearing helmets, suffered fatal injuries from the impact.
The police spokesperson, Sam Twiineamazima, confirmed that the motor vehicle involved in the accident fled the scene immediately after the collision, and investigations are ongoing to locate the driver. Police have appealed to the public to provide any information that could help track down the suspect vehicle. The crash site was visited by investigators, and the bodies of the deceased were taken to Nakasongola Health Centre IV for post-mortem examinations.
The motorcycle, bearing registration number UG 4879C, was towed to Nakasongola Police Station for further inspection. Authorities continue to urge road users to observe speed limits and drive carefully, especially during the festive season when traffic volume tends to increase.
The tragic deaths of Semanda and Mande are just part of a series of fatal road accidents that have plagued the Nakasongola District in recent weeks. Only a few days before this incident, another fatal accident occurred in the same region, further highlighting the dangers faced by road users in this area. On December 16, 2025, another deadly crash took place along Wabigalo Road in Nakasongola.
This time, a silver Toyota Hilux, belonging to Nakasongola District Local Government, was involved in a horrific crash. The vehicle, driven by Ivan Mwebaza, 32, was traveling from Nakasongola Town towards Wabigalo Trading Centre when the driver reportedly lost control while negotiating a sharp bend. The car veered off the road, rammed into a nearby fence, and overturned. Mwebaza died instantly at the scene, while a 30-year-old woman named Stella also lost her life in the crash.
The accident caused severe injuries to four other occupants of the vehicle, who were later identified as Rogers Orech, 31; Joshua Mugabi, 31; Daphin, 24; and Faridah Mukanambala, 34. The injured were rushed to Nakasongola Health Centre IV for urgent medical treatment, and the bodies of the deceased were transported to the same facility for post-mortem examination.
Local police have urged the public to exercise extreme caution while traveling during the festive season, a time when road traffic is notably higher due to Christmas and New Year celebrations. Twiineamazima, the police spokesperson, emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and driving carefully to avoid the kind of tragic outcomes seen in recent days.
Nakasongola District has long struggled with road safety concerns, and these two recent accidents have highlighted the pressing need for increased vigilance on the roads. The region, like many other parts of Uganda, sees a rise in accidents during the holiday period when people travel to visit relatives or engage in end-of-year celebrations.
The increase in traffic during the festive season often leads to congested roads, with many drivers rushing to meet their destinations. Unfortunately, this rush and the temptation to speed often results in accidents. The police spokesperson warned that road users must be cautious, particularly when traveling at night. Many of the fatal accidents in the region, including the recent ones, have occurred after dark, when visibility is poor and many drivers are not paying enough attention.
The hit-and-run accident that claimed the lives of Semanda and Mande serves as a reminder of the dangers of speeding and reckless driving. It is especially concerning that the vehicle involved in the crash fled the scene, leaving the victims and their families without answers. The police are now intensifying their efforts to locate the driver of the vehicle and bring them to justice.
Nakasongola, known for its large rural area and sparse traffic lights, is a district where many roads lack proper signage and infrastructure, which contributes to the high number of accidents. This is why authorities have issued a call to road users to always obey speed limits, use seatbelts, and be mindful of other motorists, particularly in areas where the roads are poorly lit or less monitored.
The two fatal accidents in Nakasongola serve as stark reminders of the importance of road safety awareness, especially during the busy holiday season. With an increasing number of road accidents reported across the country, authorities have called for the enforcement of stricter traffic regulations to curb the rising death toll on Ugandan roads.
One of the key areas where action is needed is the regulation of speeding, particularly in high-traffic areas or along dangerous stretches of road. Law enforcement officers have been urged to monitor traffic behavior more closely and take stronger actions against those who break the rules. Speeding fines, vehicle inspections, and increased traffic patrols could go a long way in preventing further fatalities.
In addition, road users are being urged to remain cautious and responsible behind the wheel. Motorcyclists, like Semanda, should always wear helmets, and passengers should ensure they are seated safely and securely. Many road accidents are preventable, and by adhering to traffic laws, Ugandans can reduce the risk of such tragedies.
While the deaths of David Semanda, Robert Mande, and others in Nakasongola have shocked the local community, they also serve as a wake-up call for all road users to prioritize safety. Whether driving to visit family or heading home after a long day of work, it’s crucial to remember that every life matters, and road safety.
The loss of David Semanda and Robert Mande has deeply affected the community in Nakasongola. Both men were well-known figures in their respective roles. Semanda, as a GISO, had a reputation for his dedication to keeping the area safe, while Mande, as the LC I chairperson, was a beloved leader who worked hard to improve his village. Their sudden deaths have left a void in the community, and many locals are grappling with the shock of losing such important figures in their lives. Friends, family, and colleagues have expressed their grief, with several individuals taking to social media to honor their memories and extend condolences to the families.
The fatal accidents in Nakasongola are not just a tragedy for the victims’ families but for the entire district. These deaths remind the public of the real consequences of reckless driving, and the need for better road safety measures. The community has begun discussing ways to advocate for more road signs, better lighting, and improved traffic enforcement to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. As more Ugandans travel during the festive season, this tragedy has sparked a renewed commitment to ensuring that the roads are safer for everyone.
