news 2 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Fatal Crash in Namutumba: Motorcycle Rider Killed by Overloaded Timber
A motorcyclist has died and a passenger critically injured following a collision caused by a motorcycle carrying an excessively large timber load on the Bulange-Namutumba Road. Police are searching for the rider of the overloaded motorcycle who fled the scene. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/timber-load-kills-rider-injures-passenger-in-namutumba-crash-5617352
A tragic road accident on the Bulange-Namutumba Road in Namutumba District has resulted in the death of one motorcyclist and serious injuries to another. The incident occurred when a motorcycle, overloaded with timber strapped horizontally, collided with an oncoming bike.
According to Busoga East Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha, the rider of the Bajaj Boxer motorcycle (UMA 120AM) was attempting to overtake a cyclist. In the process, the wide timber load extended into the lane of oncoming traffic, striking a Haojue motorcycle (UMA 929FB).
The rider of the Haojue motorcycle, identified as Bashir Byantuyo, tragically lost his life at the scene. His passenger, Shamirah Namugosya, 30, sustained severe injuries and was transported to Dr. Robert’s Health Facility for urgent medical attention. The deceased’s body was taken to Kagulu Health Centre III for a postmortem examination.
Both motorcycles involved in the crash have been impounded by police at Namutumba Central Police Station for further inspection. The rider of the timber-laden motorcycle managed to escape the scene immediately after the collision. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect and have opened a case of causing death by dangerous loading.
Police have issued a stern warning to all motorcyclists and road users against dangerous loading and reckless driving, emphasizing that transporting long objects horizontally across motorcycles is illegal and poses a significant risk to others. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect.
This incident follows another fatal crash in the same district just two days prior, which claimed three lives and left ten others injured. The recent string of accidents highlights ongoing road safety concerns in the region.