Speeding van mows down seven pedestrians in Kiryandongo, four dead
"This is a deeply tragic incident. Four young lives have been cut short, and several others remain in critical condition. The recklessness of this driver has devastated multiple families."
Julius Allan Hakiza, the Police regional public relations officer for the Albertine Region. (File photo)
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Three victims are fighting for their lives in hospital after a speeding Toyota Hiace van ploughed into a group of pedestrians at Katulikire trading centre along the Gulu-Kampala Highway in Kiryandongo district, killing four people, all of them children, and leaving three others seriously injured.
"This is a deeply tragic incident. Four young lives have been cut short, and several others remain in critical condition. The recklessness of this driver has devastated multiple families," said Julius Allan Hakiza, the Police regional public relations officer for the Albertine Region.
The incident occurred on May 13, 2026, at around 7:30 pm.
According to police, the white Toyota Hiace, registration number UBL 593D, was travelling from Gulu towards Kampala at excessive speed when the driver lost control after hitting a road hump.
The vehicle veered off the road onto the pedestrian walkway and struck seven people who were walking while facing oncoming traffic.
Four of the victims died, three instantly at the scene and one later at Lira Regional Referral Hospital. All four were juveniles: Charles Otim, 12, Suzan Akullo, 15, Rebecca Ashley Nimooth, 8, and Fenny Nimaro Sheila, 17, a resident of Arua.
Three survivors are currently hospitalised. Jacob Obete, 14, is admitted at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, while Vivian Amolo, 21, and Opar Patrick, 22, are both receiving treatment at Panyandoli Hospital.
The injured were initially rushed to Kiryandongo General Hospital before being referred to Lira and Panyadoli hospitals for specialised care.
Bodies of the deceased were conveyed to Kiryandongo General Hospital mortuary and Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.
Officers from Bweyale Police Station visited the scene, recorded statements from witnesses and relatives, and drew a sketch map. The vehicle was recovered, towed and impounded at Kiryandongo Police Station pending an Inspection of Vehicles (IOV) examination.
The driver fled the scene and remains at large. A manhunt is ongoing.
Police have appealed to all motorists to observe speed limits, particularly in trading centres and built-up areas, and to exercise caution at road humps and pedestrian crossings.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the driver of UBL 593D has been urged to contact Kiryandongo Police Station immediately.