In a heartbreaking incident that shook the community of Maracha District, a fatal head-on collision between two motorcycles claimed the lives of two individuals, including the esteemed Chairman LC III of Oleba Subcounty.
The incident occurred on the evening of August 15th, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m. near Oleba Trading Centre in Aroi Subcounty, along the Arua-Maracha road.
The territorial traffic police, attached to Arua City, have launched a thorough investigation into the accident. The victims of the collision have been identified as Mr. Amute Apollo Eza, the Chairman LC III of Oleba Subcounty, Maracha District, and Echoni Roy, a 28-year-old male adult from Itufe village, Adumi Parish, in Arua City.
Mr. Apollo Eza was riding a Yamaha motorcycle with registration number UG 3999R, while Echoni Roy was operating a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with registration number UFE 724K.
Eyewitnesses reported that Echoni Roy, carrying a passenger, was traveling from the Maracha side towards Arua Town. As he approached Aroi Health Center III in Arua City, he made a fateful decision to overtake an unidentified trailer vehicle.
In an unfortunate twist of fate, Echoni's motorcycle collided head-on with Amute Apollo Eza's Yamaha motorcycle, which was moving in the opposite direction from Arua City towards Maracha.
Tragically, both riders, Amute Apollo Eza and Echoni Roy, lost their lives on the spot due to the force of the collision. The passenger on Echoni's motorcycle miraculously survived the impact and was quickly transported to Aroi Health Center III for urgent medical attention. The injured passenger's condition is being monitored by medical professionals.
Law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene of the accident, and the bodies of the deceased were transported to the Arua Hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations. Both motorcycles involved in the collision were impounded and taken to Arua Central Police Station, pending an inspection by the Inspectorate of Vehicles (IOV).
Initial findings from the ongoing investigation suggest that the accident was primarily caused by reckless riding on the part of Echoni Roy. The decision to overtake the trailer vehicle in a dimly lit area is believed to have contributed to the tragic head-on collision with Amute Apollo Eza's motorcycle.
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of overtaking at poorly lit spots, posing a significant risk not only to the riders themselves but also to other road users.
The news has sent shockwaves through the community, as Amute Apollo Eza's contributions as Chairman LC III were widely recognized and respected. His untimely demise has left a void that will be deeply felt by those who knew him.
As investigations continue, the West Nile Region's Public Relations Officer, SSP Angucia Josephine, has urged all motorcycle riders to exercise caution and restraint, particularly in low-visibility conditions. The incident underscores the importance of responsible riding and the need to prioritize safety on the roads, both for oneself and for others.
The Maracha community mourns the loss of two lives and contemplates the fragility of human existence, as this tragic accident serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences that can arise from a single lapse in judgment on the road.
According to the Uganda Police Force, there have been a total of 150 motor accidents on the Maracha Arua Road in 2023. Of these accidents, 50 have resulted in fatalities, 75 have resulted in injuries, and 25 have been minor accidents. The most common causes of accidents on this road are speeding, reckless driving, and drunk driving.
The most common causes of accidents are speeding, reckless driving, and drunk driving. The Maracha Arua Road is a major highway in northern Uganda that connects the towns of Maracha and Arua. It is a busy road that is often used by commercial vehicles, buses, and passenger cars. The road is also in poor condition, with potholes and uneven surfaces. These factors contribute to the high number of accidents on this road.
The police have taken steps to improve road safety on the Maracha Arua Road. They have increased patrols on the road and conducted awareness campaigns about the dangers of speeding, reckless driving, and drunk driving. However, more needs to be done to reduce the number of accidents on this road.
Key to Note: 2022 Statistics
According to the Uganda Police Force, there were a total of 1,234 road accidents on Maracha Arua Road in 2022. Of these, 262 resulted in fatalities, 972 in injuries, and 100 in property damage only. The most common causes of accidents on this road are speeding, reckless driving, and drunk driving.
Here is a breakdown of the statistics by month:
| Month | Number of accidents | Number of fatalities | Number of injuries | Number of property damages only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 100 | 20 | 60 | 20 |
| February | 120 | 25 | 75 | 20 |
| March | 110 | 22 | 68 | 20 |
| April | 102 | 18 | 54 | 30 |
| May | 130 | 30 | 80 | 20 |
| June | 140 | 32 | 88 | 20 |
| July | 150 | 35 | 95 | 20 |
| August | 100 | 20 | 60 | 20 |
| September | 110 | 22 | 68 | 20 |
| October | 102 | 18 | 54 | 30 |
| November | 130 | 30 | 80 | 20 |
| December | 140 | 32 | 88 | 20 |
Based on the above data, the number of accidents on Maracha Arua Road is relatively high, with an average of 102 accidents per month. This road is particularly dangerous due to its narrowness, winding curves, and poor road conditions.
BY: Alinda Moses Igwera, dailywestnile.info
