A 33-year-old driver was arrested on September 19, 2026, following a hit-and-run crash in Kampala District that killed a 22-year-old motorcycle rider and injured three pupils as they traveled to classes, according to local police.
The Fatal Collision on Mutungo-Biina Road
A deadly hit-and-run crash unfolded near Muggies Hotel on Mutungo-Biina Road in Nakawa Division, Kampala District, on September 18, 2026. According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala, a white Toyota Hilux Double Cabin, driven by Dennis Mulema, a resident of Mutungo-Biina, rammed into a motorcycle carrying three pupils from Kiswa Primary School.
The impact killed the motorcycle rider at the scene. Police identified him as 22-year-old Reagan Muhindo, a resident of Kasokoso in Wakiso District. Three children aged 7, 13, and 13 suffered serious injuries while traveling toward the Bugolobi area, where they were headed to school. According to police, Mulema was driving from Biina towards Mutungo when his vehicle allegedly collided with the motorcycle carrying the three pupils. Police said the preliminary cause of the crash is suspected to be careless driving, although investigations are still underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision and determine the exact cause.
Arrest and Detention at Jinja Road Police Station
The day after the collision, investigators located and detained the motorist involved. Dennis Mulema, 33, was arrested by police at the Jinja Road Police Division on September 19, 2026, a day after the crash near Muggies Hotel on Mutungo-Biina Road in Nakawa Division, Kampala District.
“Mulema is currently being held by police at Jinja Road Police Station pending completion of investigations and subsequent court proceedings,”
Rachel Kawala, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson
Police noted that the suspect resides in the Mutungo-Biina area. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash before forwarding the file for formal court proceedings.
Hospital Treatment and Road Safety Concerns
Police confirmed that the children were transported directly for urgent medical care The injured pupils were rushed to Mulago Hospital for medical attention,
Kawala said.
The latest crash adds to concerns over road safety in Kampala, particularly on busy urban roads where motorcycles commonly carry passengers, including schoolchildren. Police have renewed their call to motorists, motorcycle riders and other road users to exercise maximum caution, observe traffic laws and follow road safety guidelines. The force said greater compliance with traffic regulations is necessary to prevent avoidable crashes and protect lives on Uganda’s roads.
Broader Context in National Traffic Statistics
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety in April 2026 released the traffic death statistics that showed a significant rise. According to the report, 5,383 Ugandans died in traffic accidents in 2025, translating to 15 daily deaths. This was an increase compared to 5,144 people who perished in road crashes in 2024, which translated to 13 road deaths every day.
According to AIGP Niwabiine, more road crashes were recorded during daytime hours, but the most fatalities were recorded between 6pm and 8pm, totaling 3,484 deaths, while the fewest occurred between 2pm and 3pm with 1,032 fatal crashes. “The highest number of crashes was recorded in December with 2,443 and the lowest in June with 1,978. Fatalities followed a similar pattern, with the highest recorded in October with 523 and lowest in June with 390. The increased crashes and fatalities during peak periods are attributed to higher travel demand, increased commercial activity, and long travel distances during the festive season,” AIGP Niwabiine said.