A reverend in Abim District has been killed in a hit-and-run involving an alleged overspeeding Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) vehicle, casting a dark cloud over the Christmas season for local residents.
The deceased has been identified as Rev. Bosco Achilla of Abim Old Saints Anglican Church. He was riding a motorcycle to church to lead Sunday service when the fatal incident occurred in Akado, Kiru Town Council, approximately 10 kilometres outside Abim Town.
According to eyewitnesses, the UPDF vehicle, registration number H4DF 2383, was travelling from Abim Town towards Kiru at high speed when it knocked the cleric.
Residents say the vehicle did not stop after the accident but instead diverted from the main road at a nearby junction and fled the scene.
“The vehicle was overspeeding, and after knocking the reverend, it did not stop. It branched off to another road and disappeared,” said Richard Okello, a resident of Oyaro Village who witnessed the incident.
Another resident, Nancy Akongo, described the tragedy as devastating, noting that it has turned what should have been a festive season into one of grief.
“This is a very sad and painful Christmas for us because of this accident,” Akongo said.
Police sources at Abim Central Police Station, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the driver of the UPDF vehicle has since been arrested and is currently in police custody to assist with investigations. The vehicle involved has also been impounded and is parked at Abim CPS.
Meanwhile, the body of Rev. Achilla has been taken to Abim Hospital for a postmortem examination as burial arrangements are underway.