Yumbe, Uganda – November 9, 2025

A devastating road accident has shaken the quiet community of Kuru Trading Center in Yumbe District, claiming the life of a 57-year-old Catholic nun and leaving locals mourning the loss of a dedicated servant of the church.

The incident occurred on Friday, November 8, 2025, at around 12:40 PM along the busy Koboko-Yumbe Road. According to police reports from Yumbe Police Station, a sky-blue Mazda CX-5 with registration number UBP 121F collided with a numberless Bajaj Boxer motorcycle that was traveling in the same direction ahead of it.

The driver of the Mazda, identified as 35-year-old Richard Newton from the Amadi tribe, has been accused of reckless driving. Witnesses and preliminary investigations suggest that Newton failed to maintain control, rear-ending the motorcycle and sending it crashing.

Riding the motorcycle was 25-year-old Mambo Hillary, a resident of Okpo Cell in Luzira Ward, Lodonga Town Council. Seated as a passenger was Sister Driciru Lilly, a nun attached to Lodonga Cathedral Bazirika Catholic Parish. Sister Lilly sustained severe injuries in the impact and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Tragically, she succumbed to her wounds shortly after arrival.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for the parish and the entire community,” said a local resident who asked not to be named. “Sister Lilly was known for her kindness and devotion. She touched so many lives through her work at the cathedral.”

Police officers, led by the district traffic office, quickly responded to the scene to secure the area and begin their inquiry. Both the Mazda CX-5 and the damaged motorcycle have been impounded at Yumbe Police Station, where they await a thorough inspection by investigation officers.

Newton, the driver, was issued a 94 form along with PF 48A and B documents as part of standard procedure. He remains in custody as authorities piece together the events leading up to the crash. The primary cause has been attributed to reckless driving, though full details will emerge as the investigation progresses.

Sister Lilly’s body has been transferred to Kuru Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination is pending to determine the exact cause of death and gather further evidence for the case.

Superintendent Asea Collins of the North West Nile region confirmed that investigations are ongoing and urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads. “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he stated in a brief update. “Incidents like this remind us of the dangers of negligence behind the wheel.”

The accident has sparked conversations among residents about the need for better road awareness campaigns in the region, especially on routes prone to heavy traffic like Koboko-Yumbe. Community leaders from Lodonga Cathedral have called for prayers for Sister Lilly’s family, the parish, and all those affected.

As the people of Yumbe come to terms with this tragedy, authorities promise a swift and transparent probe to ensure justice is served. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Reference: Yumbe Police Station TSD 07/08/11/2025, TAR 42/2025

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.