NRM LC1 chairperson-elect dies in suspected hit-and-run

[Archival Sense]

Photo courtesy of Daily Monitor.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) LC1 chairperson-elect for Busambaiza Village in Kiwanyi Sub-county, Namutumba District, Jaliru Kasule, has died in a suspected hit-and-run road crash, just days after he was declared unopposed in the recently concluded village elections.

Kasule, 48, who had served as the village LC1 chairperson for three consecutive terms, died on the spot on Saturday when the motorcycle he was riding was struck by a speeding vehicle along the Mbale–Tirinyi Highway in Namutumba Town Council.

His passenger, Nabongho Kosa, survived the crash and is currently receiving treatment.

According to eyewitnesses, the pair were travelling on a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, registration number UEY 507N, when they attempted to make a U-turn near Masjid Kakuwa, opposite Wampa Primary School.

They were reportedly travelling to Mbale to purchase a motorised tricycle, commonly known as a tukutuku, when a white vehicle travelling from the Iganga direction rammed into them before speeding away.

Witnesses said the driver did not stop after the collision, making it impossible to identify the vehicle or record its registration number.

"The vehicle that hit them was white, but we could not identify its registration number because the driver fled the scene immediately," one eyewitness said.

Kosa told Monitor that Kasule had been carrying about Shs7 million in cash at the time of the accident. He alleged that some people who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash stole the money from the deceased.

"I was conscious and could see what was happening, but I was unable to speak. I watched people remove money from Kasule's pockets and run away. It is something I will never forget," Kosa said.

Residents described Kasule as a humble and dedicated leader whose death has deprived the community of an experienced public servant.

"We are saddened by his death because residents had entrusted him with another term of leadership. We were looking forward to his continued service," resident Bowazi Nabongho said.

Namutumba District NRM chairperson Simon Menya described Kasule's death as a significant loss to both the party and the community.

"The sudden death of Kasule has left us in shock and grief. On behalf of the NRM family, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the people of Busambaiza Village. We have lost a committed leader," Menya said.

By press time, police had not issued an official statement on the crash or the search for the hit-and-run driver.

Kasule's body was taken to Iganga General Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination as investigations continue.

The story is now tightened for clarity and flow while preserving all key facts and attributing unverified allegations appropriately.

Monitor reports.