Businessman Apollo Nyegamehe, also known as Aponye, tragically lost his life in a fatal car collision with a stationary truck on July 6. Following the incident, Aponye’s driver, Moses Buyiinza, has been arrested and is currently being held at Ntungamo police station. The arrest came as a result of unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances leading up to the accident, which claimed the life of one of Uganda’s wealthiest business figures.
Rwizi region Police spokesperson, SP Samson Kasasira, revealed that Buyiinza Moses is being investigated for possible negligence that resulted in the death of Aponye due to reckless driving. Kasasira stated that they are awaiting the advice of the Resident State Attorney after reviewing the case file to determine the way forward. If the file is approved, Buyiinza will be taken to court, but if not, he will be released on police bond while further inquiries are conducted.
The tragic accident occurred in Itojo, Ntungamo, along the Mbarara-Kabale road when their vehicle, registration number UBF 300Z, collided with a stationary Fuso truck registered as UAZ 767D, which was carrying Irish Potatoes and had experienced a mechanical problem.
Buyiinza and another individual involved in the accident were rushed to Mbarara regional referral hospital for treatment, but unfortunately, Aponye passed away at the scene. Aponye’s funeral is scheduled to take place today, July 12, 2023, at his ancestral home in Muhanga town council, Rukiga district.
This incident has once again brought attention to the high number of road fatalities in Uganda. Recently, the police disclosed that 77 people had lost their lives in road accidents within a week. Ugandan Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, expressed concern over the frequent accidents caused by stationary vehicles with mechanical issues and directed the police and Ministry of Works to promptly remove such vehicles from the roads.
