September 29, 2025 – In a heartbreaking incident that has cast a shadow over the West Nile region, three Muni University employees lost their lives in a devastating road accident early Friday morning along the Pakwach-Arua Highway.

The collision, which occurred around 1:40 a.m. in Nyapolo Village, Alwi Sub-County, has left the local community in mourning and prompted an ongoing investigation by the Territorial Police of Pakwach.

According to a press statement released by SP Anguyo Jimmy Bayiga of the West Nile Region Police, the accident involved two vehicles: a white Toyota double-cabin pickup truck registered as UBF 850H, owned by Muni University, and a SINO truck registered as UAW 523Z, belonging to the China 18th Railway Construction Company. The Toyota was en route from Kampala to Arua, carrying staff returning from official duties, when the fatal crash unfolded.

The victims, all affiliated with Muni University, were identified as follows:

• Acidri Kennedy, the driver of the university’s double-cabin vehicle.
• Opio Washington, a sports officer at the institution.
• Rev. Acema Patrick, the university chaplain.

Eyewitness accounts and initial police reports suggest the vehicles collided head-on under the cover of darkness, resulting in the instant deaths of the three occupants. Their bodies were conveyed to Pakwach Health Centre IV for postmortem examinations as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances.

In a miraculous turn amid the tragedy, two other passengers in the Toyota—Oriba Bruno and Enayo Victor—survived the impact but sustained critical injuries. They were immediately rushed to the same health facility for urgent medical treatment, where they remain under close observation.

The press statement from SP Anguyo expressed profound condolences, stating, “May the Almighty grant the deceased eternity as we condole with their families at this trying moment.” The loss of Rev. Acema Patrick, a beloved spiritual leader, has particularly resonated with the university community and local parishes, with tributes already pouring in on social media highlighting his dedication to youth mentorship and faith-based initiatives.

Muni University, located in Arua and known for its focus on agriculture, environmental sciences, and education, has yet to issue an official statement, but sources close to the institution indicate that counseling services will be made available to staff and students in the coming days. The highway, a vital artery connecting Kampala to the northwest, has seen a spate of accidents in recent months, often attributed to poor visibility, overloading, and speeding—factors that investigators are now probing.

The driver of the SINO truck, affiliated with the China 18th Railway Construction Company involved in regional infrastructure projects, has not yet been publicly identified. Police have impounded both vehicles for forensic analysis, and further details are expected as witness statements and technical reports are compiled.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by road users in rural Uganda, where enforcement of traffic safety measures remains a persistent challenge. As the West Nile region unites in grief, calls for enhanced road safety campaigns and infrastructure improvements grow louder.

Written by

Andrew Ogwang

Andrew Ogwang is a dedicated Ugandan journalist based in the Northern Region, with a focus on economic reporting, current affairs, and social issues affecting the country. Ogwang has contributed to several local media outlets, including print and digital platforms like The Northern Press, where he has covered topics ranging from policy developments and community stories to investigative pieces on development challenges in Uganda.