Written By | BK Mugizi
Family members of one of the deceased, Kyomugisha Dinnavance receiving a condolence donation.
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Sheema
President Yoweri Museveni, through the Office of the Prime Minister under the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, has extended financial support of Shs5 million to each family of those who died in a fatal road accident along the Mbarara–Bushenyi Highway in Sheema District.
The tragic accident occurred on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at around 6:30 a.m. at Rushara in Kabwohe Division, Sheema Municipality, when a Toyota Fielder, registration number UA 702DL, reportedly lost control and rammed into a group of pedestrians returning home from overnight prayers.
Seven people died on the spot, while two others sustained serious injuries.
The victims had reportedly attended overnight prayer services at St. Rose Catholic Church and Bethel International Ministries in Kabwohe Town.
Yosephat who lost a wife, Asiimwe Harriet in an accident displays his portrait
Survivors recount
Nsimire Maria Respa, a resident of Kachwamba Cell in Mukinga Ward and one of the survivors, said the vehicle was moving at high speed before the driver lost control and veered off the road into pedestrians.
“The car came suddenly at a very high speed. Before we could run away, it had already knocked people down,” she said.
The injured survivors were identified as Bimanywamukama Bruno, 15, and Namanya Victor, 12, both residents of Kachwamba in Mukinga Ward. The two sustained serious injuries but have since been discharged from Bushenyi Medical Centre.
Presidential condolence support
While delivering the presidential financial support to the affected families in Kitojo and Mukinga wards in Sheema Central Division on May 1, 2026, Sheema Municipality MP Dicksons Kateshumbwa said President Museveni was deeply touched after receiving news of the tragedy involving worshippers returning from night prayers.
Kateshumbwa said the President decided to support each bereaved family with Shs5 million to help them meet burial expenses and other immediate family needs, while the two survivors each received Shs1 million for medical and recovery support.
“We share in your pain during this difficult moment. Losing loved ones in such a tragic manner is devastating. The President stands with you, and that is why he has extended this support to help you during this trying time,” Kateshumbwa said.
He also called on motorists to exercise caution while driving, especially during the early morning hours when many pedestrians are using the roads. The families expressed gratitude to the President for his support.
Sheema Municipality MP Dickson Kateshumbwa Consolence, BimanywaMukama Bruno one of the survivors
RDC warns parents over overnight prayers for children
Speaking to journalists, the Sheema Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Sam Orikunda, warned parents against taking children below 18 years to overnight prayer services, saying it exposes them to health and safety risks.
“You can imagine one of the people who died was only 12 years old, while the two survivors are also below 15 years. It is unfortunate. Parents should desist from taking young children to overnight prayers because they are supposed to pray for them,” Orikunda said.
Family struggles after losing breadwinner
Among the grieving families is that of Mugizi Nicholus, a casual labourer who lost his wife, Namara Grace, 27, in the accident.
Namara, a mother of two from Nayakatooma Village, had reportedly been the pillar of the family, taking care of the children and supporting the household despite difficult living conditions.
Nicholus said life has become extremely challenging following the death of his wife.
“She has been the one caring for the children most of the time as I struggled with casual jobs to earn a living. Now the children keep asking where their mother went,” he said.
Neighbours described the family as humble villagers surviving on small-scale farming and casual labour, saying the loss has left the children vulnerable and uncertain about their future.
Family members of one of the deceased, Kyomugisha Dinnavance receiving a condolence donation
NRM village chairperson loses wife and granddaughter
Kamugisha Elimia, the LC1 NRM chairperson of Nyakashebeya Cell, also lost his wife, Janeroza Kobusingye, 59, and his 12-year-old granddaughter, Ahereza Precious, in the accident. Relatives said the double loss has left the family devastated.
Identified deceased
The deceased were identified as:
Police attributed the accident to overspeeding.
Meanwhile, Sheema District Police Commander Kasule Consilanta said they are tracking the suspect driver in order to have him arrested.
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