Editor
In a devastating incident that unfolded on the night of December 29, 2023, tragedy struck Kabirizi cell, Nyarurambi ward, Rubanda town council, along the Kabale-Kisoro road in Rubanda district. The clock read 08:00 PM when an unfortunate collision occurred, leaving one dead and another in critical condition.
The involved vehicles, an unidentified motorcycle and a bicycle, were hastily removed from the scene and concealed by unknown individuals, making it challenging for authorities to ascertain the exact details of the vehicles.
The victims have been identified as Ampumwize Alex, a 24-year-old resident of Mukatasa cell, Nyarurambi ward, Rubanda town council, and Ruhangariyo Sam, a 30-year-old from Mukibungo village, Kaara parish, Muko subcounty in Rubanda district. Ampumwize Alex, the pedalcyclist, tragically lost his life in the accident, while Ruhangariyo Sam, the motorcycle rider, is fighting for survival in critical condition after being rushed to Kabale regional referral hospital.
According to preliminary investigations, both the motorcycle and the pedalcyclist were heading in the same direction, from Kabale to Kisoro.
The motorcycle, allegedly speeding and recklessly driven, lost control and collided with the pedalcyclist from behind. The impact resulted in both individuals sustaining severe injuries, leading to their immediate evacuation to Humurwa medical clinic in Rubanda town by compassionate passersby.
Despite the efforts made, Ampumwize Alex succumbed to his injuries at the medical clinic, while Ruhangariyo Sam was transferred to Kabale regional referral hospital for further medical attention.
The suspected cause of the accident is attributed to reckless riding and overspeeding by the motorcycle rider.
In response to the incident, Aso Wakatuma Alamanzani, the District Traffic Officer for Rubanda, and his team visited the scene for initial investigations. A postmortem examination is scheduled for Saturday to shed light on the extent of injuries and determine the exact cause of death.
Efforts are currently underway to recover the hidden motorcycle and bicycle to aid in further investigations by the police. The community awaits more details as inquiries into the incident continue to unfold.
