Pallisa, Uganda: A 12-year-old girl has been killed in a tragic road crash after she was knocked down by a Fuso truck along the busy Kumi–Pallisa highway, police have confirmed.
The fatal incident occurred at around 11:50 am on April 21, 2026, at Manga 1 Village, Kaucho Ward in Pallisa Town Council. The deceased has been identified as Takali Pavin, a 12-year-old daughter of Kwiri Michael.
According to police, the juvenile was walking along the roadside with a friend when she suddenly stepped onto the road and was struck by an oncoming white Fuso Fighter truck, registration number UBK 138T, which was travelling from Kumi towards Pallisa.
The vehicle was being driven by Opio John Roberts, 40, a resident of Soroti City.
Police said the driver did not stop at the scene but instead proceeded directly to Pallisa Central Police Station, citing fear for his safety.
“Police led by the District Traffic Officer Pallisa, IP Chekwoti Immaculate, visited the scene. The body was recovered and transported to Pallisa General Hospital mortuary for postmortem, while the truck was impounded pending inspection,” said Wilfred Kyempasa, the Bukedi North Regional Police Spokesperson.
The Kumi–Pallisa road has, in recent years, been flagged by residents as a high-risk corridor, with frequent accidents linked to speeding and lack of designated pedestrian walkways.
The latest tragedy adds to growing concerns over pedestrian safety along major highways in Eastern Uganda, particularly involving children.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, road crashes remain one of the leading causes of death in the country, with thousands of fatalities recorded annually.
Pedestrians, especially children, account for a significant proportion of victims, often due to poor road infrastructure, limited awareness, and unsafe crossing behaviour.
Police have since urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly in populated areas, and called on parents and guardians to sensitise children on road safety.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
