One Dead, Two Injured In Arua-Nebbi Highway Crash Involving UNHCR Vehicle
SP Asea Collins speaking to media about the tragic road crush
ARUA: A tragic accident on the Arua–Nebbi highway in Arua District claimed one life and left two people seriously injured on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at approximately 6:00 PM.
The multi-vehicle collision occurred near the bridge at Beach Trading Center, a notorious black spot on the busy highway.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Collins Asea, the West Nile Police Public Relations Officer, the crash involved four vehicles: two motorcycles and two motor vehicles, one of which was a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) vehicle registered in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The vehicles Involved include; a UBK 233Y Toyota Hiace (white), driven by Nderegimana Richard, 44, from Wakiso District, 066.CD 111 Toyota Landcruiser (UNHCR DRC), driver unknown, who reportedly fled the scene, UEQ 007P Yamaha motorcycle, ridden by Benson Acidri, 61, from Onjivu Village, Arua District and UPZ 771R Bajaj Boxer motorcycle (red), rider unidentified, found unconscious at the scene.
Police identified the victims as deceased Jane Asoru, 42, a resident of Onjivu Village and a passenger on motorcycle UEQ 007P who died instantly at the scene.
The injured are Benson Acidri, 61, husband of the deceased and rider of UEQ 007P who is receiving treatment at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, and an unidentified rider of UPZ 771R who is also hospitalized with serious injuries.
Crash Details:
Preliminary investigations suggest the Toyota Landcruiser traveling from Nebbi to Arua, swerved to avoid a pothole near the bridge.
This caused the oncoming Toyota Hiace to veer into the path of the two motorcycles, resulting in a fatal collision.
“Eyewitnesses reported that the Landcruiser was speeding and lost control while dodging a pothole. The Hiace driver attempted to avoid the collision but struck the motorcycles,” SP Asea said.
The impact threw the motorcycle riders onto the roadside. Jane Asoru was pronounced dead at the scene while her husband and the other rider were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Police Response and Investigation:
Inspector Ocan, Arua’s District Traffic Officer, led the response team to secure the scene.
The deceased’s body was taken to Arua City Mortuary for a postmortem, and all vehicles involved were impounded at Arua District Police Station for forensic analysis.
Police are actively searching for the UNHCR driver who fled the scene and have urged the UN agency to cooperate with the investigation.
“We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” SP Asea said.
“Investigations are ongoing to ensure justice is served.”
Road Safety Concerns:
The crash has renewed concerns about speeding, reckless driving, and poor road conditions on the Arua–Nebbi highway.
Police are urging drivers to exercise caution, particularly around hazardous areas like potholes and narrow bridges.