Fatal Crash on Lira‑Aduku Highway Claims One Life, Leaves Two Seriously Injured.
By Okidi Patrick
LIRA CITY, WEST DIVISION – 12 Feb 2026 – A serious road‑traffic collision that turned fatal on the Lira‑Aduku Highway has left one man dead and two others in critical condition, officials said on Saturday. The crash occurred at approximately 14:30 hrs on 11 February 2026 near the newly‑constructed petrol station at Anai Check‑Point, a busy interchange that connects Lira City with the town of Aduku.
According to North Kyoga Police Regional Operations Officer (PRO) SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the incident involved a white Toyota Mark X (registration UBG 511C) attempting an unsafe overtaking maneuver. The driver of the Toyota tried to pass a silver Nissan Terra (registration UBM 306D) that was travelling in the same direction towards Lira City. In the process, the Toyota struck the Nissan on its driver’s side, causing the vehicle to lose control.
The out‑of‑control Toyota then collided with two oncoming motorcycles that were headed from Lira City toward Aduku. The motorcycles – a red Bajaj Boxer (registration UEF 888A) driven by an unidentified adult male, and another red Bajaj Boxer (registration UDP 228C) ridden by Ocen Edward, a 50‑year‑old peasant farmer from Akot A Village, Alira Parish, Aduku Sub‑county, Kwania District – were both seriously injured.
“Both riders were rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital. Unfortunately, Mr. Edward was pronounced dead on arrival. The other rider remains in intensive care, and his condition has not yet been fully assessed,” SP Okema said in a press briefing.
The scene was first secured and photographed by Corporal Ogwok Denis, supported by a police patrol team and other uniformed officers from Lira City West Police Station. All three vehicles – the Toyota, the Nissan, and the two motorcycles – were towed to the police station yard for forensic inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles (IOV).
A formal case of Serious Road Traffic Crash Turned Fatal has been registered at Lira City West Police Station. Investigators are reviewing dash‑cam footage, eyewitness statements, and the vehicle inspection reports to determine whether driver negligence, mechanical failure, or road‑condition factors contributed to the tragedy.
Road‑safety context
The Lira‑Aduku corridor is a critical artery for commuters, traders, and farmers traveling between the northern urban centre of Lira and the agricultural hinterland of Aduku. According to the Uganda Police Force’s 2025 traffic‑safety report, the highway accounts for 27 % of the region’s road‑traffic fatalities, with overtaking violations identified as the leading cause of severe collisions.
Official response
In addition to SP Okema’s remarks, Public Relations Officer Patrick Jimmy Okema of the North Kyoga Region urged motorists to observe speed limits, use designated overtaking lanes, and avoid reckless maneuvers, especially near high‑traffic zones such as check‑points and petrol stations.
“This is a very unfortunate incident. We therefore appeal to drivers and other road users to observe the road‑safety rules and regulations,” he added.
Community reaction
Residents of Akot A Village gathered outside Lira Regional Referral Hospital on Saturday night, lighting candles in memory of Ocen Edward. A spokesperson for the Kwania District Local Council expressed condolences to the victim’s family and pledged to cooperate fully with police investigations.
“Our community mourns the loss of a hardworking farmer who provided for his family. We hope that this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for safer driving practices,” the spokesperson said.
Next steps
The police investigation remains ongoing. The IOV’s inspection report, together with any forensic findings, will be forwarded to the North Kyoga Traffic Court for potential prosecution. Meanwhile, the Lira City West Police Station has increased patrols along the Lira‑Aduku Highway and installed temporary signage to warn drivers of the recent accident site.
The incident underscores a growing call across northern Uganda for stricter enforcement of traffic legislation and greater public education on road‑safety measures.
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