An operation targeting a vehicle suspected of carrying smuggled goods ended in tragedy in eastern Uganda after a customs officer was struck by a truck during an attempted arrest, authorities said.
Ronald Wabomba, an officer with the customs department of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), was seriously injured during the incident on Saturday and later died in hospital, the authority said.
The operation began after URA enforcement officers received intelligence at about 08:00 local time that a Toyota Nadia, bearing registration number UBA 470A, was allegedly transporting smuggled vehicle tyres along a route linking Busia, Mayuge and Musiita.
Wabomba was tasked with mobilising an enforcement team to intercept the vehicle at Musiita, according to information released by URA.
At about 22:00, officers located the vehicle, but its driver allegedly refused to stop and drove towards Magamaga. The pursuit continued until the vehicle stopped at Buwanga village.
The driver then reportedly attempted to flee through the passenger side of the vehicle. Wabomba and another person crossed the road and managed to apprehend him, according to reports.
Moments later, an Isuzu truck, registration number KDS 499D, travelling from Jinja, reportedly collided with the enforcement team.
Three people were seriously injured in the crash, including Wabomba.
He was initially taken to Iganga Hospital before being transferred to International Hospital Kampala for further treatment. He was pronounced dead on Sunday morning.
The two vehicles were subsequently taken to Magamaga Police Station.
URA said the Toyota Nadia was found carrying motor vehicle tyres and other goods suspected of having been smuggled.
The circumstances surrounding the collision were not independently established.
Wabomba’s death has highlighted the risks faced by customs and enforcement personnel working to combat illicit trade along Uganda’s transport and border routes.
URA Commissioner General described the death as a loss for the authority and said Wabomba had died while carrying out his duties.
“It’s a sad day for URA as we have lost one of ours in the line of duty,” the commissioner general said.
URA said its human resources department was in contact with Wabomba’s family.
The incident occurred as authorities were pursuing suspected smuggling activity in an area connected to Uganda’s eastern border with Kenya, where enforcement agencies monitor the movement of goods entering and circulating within the country.
