By Ben Musanje
he Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has identified two of its staff members who died in a fatal road crash inside Murchison Falls National Park, even as discrepancies emerged between figures released by the tax body and those later announced by Police and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
In a statement issued on Monday, URA confirmed the deaths of Robert Lumanyika Wamala and Moses Adola, who perished in a tragic accident on Sunday night while returning to Kampala from official duty in Arua City.
The accident occurred at around 8:00pm along the Kampala–West Nile highway after the vehicle they were travelling in reportedly collided with a crossing elephant.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of two of our colleagues, Robert Lumanyika Wamala and Moses Adola, who lost their lives in a tragic road accident on Sunday, 24th May 2026,” URA said.
The authority further stated that four other staff members sustained injuries and were receiving medical care under close monitoring.
However, hours later, both UWA and Traffic Police issued separate statements indicating that the accident claimed three lives, not two as initially communicated by URA.
UWA, which broke its silence on the incident Monday morning, confirmed that the crash happened along the Karuma–Pakwach road bordering Murchison Falls National Park in Nwoya District.
According to the Wildlife authority, the accident involved a Toyota Hiace drone registration number UA 20121AA that knocked an elephant crossing the road.
“Unfortunately, three people lost their lives while four others sustained injuries,” UWA spokesperson Bashir Hangi said in the statement.
The authority added that the injured victims were rushed to Kiryandongo Hospital by Police before some were later transferred to Kampala for further treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were conveyed to Anaka Hospital mortuary pending postmortem examinations.
Traffic Police Spokesperson SP Michael Kananura also confirmed that three people died on the spot after the driver lost control of the vehicle moments after hitting the elephant.
“According to preliminary investigations, the driver of the Toyota Hiace which was carrying seven officials from the URA travelling from Arua City back to Kampala after official duty knocked a crossing elephant and subsequently lost control of the vehicle,” Kananura said.
“Three occupants died on the spot while four others including the driver sustained injuries,” he added.
The discrepancy in the casualty figures has since raised questions over the identity of the third deceased person mentioned by Police and UWA, as URA’s statement only identified two staff members as having died in the crash.
Authorities had not immediately clarified whether the third victim was also a URA employee or another occupant aboard the vehicle.
Police said investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing, although preliminary findings point to the collision with the elephant as the trigger of the fatal accident.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers motorists face while driving through national parks, particularly at night when wildlife frequently crosses roads.
Both UWA and Police urged drivers to exercise caution while travelling through protected areas.
“Motorists travelling through Protected Areas are strongly advised to drive cautiously, as wild animals frequently cross the roads,” UWA warned.
Police also appealed to road users to observe speed limits and remain vigilant during night travel through wildlife conservation areas.
“Motorists are strongly urged to exercise extreme caution while driving through national parks and wildlife-protected areas especially during night hours and to strictly observe speed limits to avoid such incidents,” Kananura said.
The deaths of the URA officials have sent shockwaves through the institution, with colleagues mourning the loss of staff members described as dedicated public servants.
URA extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a quick recovery.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, loved ones and the entire URA fraternity during this difficult time,” the authority stated.
The identities of the injured officials had not yet been publicly disclosed by Monday evening as investigations and family notifications continued.
