Police in Kabale District have launched a manhunt for the driver of a Toyota Premio involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a 20-year-old boda boda rider and left his passenger seriously injured.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, May 19, 2025, at Mwanjari along the Kabale–Katuna highway in Kabale Municipality.

The deceased have been identified as Naboth Owomugabe, a resident of Nyakayenje Village in Bubare Sub-county, Rubanda District, who was riding a motorcycle with an 18-year-old passenger, Henry Byamukama, a mechanic from Kagarama Village in the same district.

According to police, the Toyota Premio, registration number UA 325AL, was heading towards Katuna when it attempted to overtake another vehicle and collided head-on with the oncoming motorcycle. The driver fled the scene immediately after the crash.

Owomugabe died on the spot, while Byamukama sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for emergency treatment.

While addressing the media on May 19, 2025, Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson Elly Maate confirmed the incident, stating that officers promptly responded to the scene, conducted thorough documentation, and obtained a statement from the injured survivor.

Maate condemned the driver’s actions and assured the public that efforts to bring the suspect to justice were underway.

“Our team is working around the clock to trace and impound the vehicle involved. The driver will be brought to book,” Maate said.

He further revealed that the deceased’s body was transported to his home in Rubanda District for burial arrangements; however, the motorcycle involved in the accident was reportedly taken from the scene by unknown individuals and has not yet been recovered.

Maate called upon all road users to stop abusing the traffic laws and adhere to them so as to avoid such tragedies in the future.

Police have appealed to the public for information that could assist in identifying and arresting the suspect behind the deadly crash.