Soroti Teacher Killed in Tragic Highway Crash as Residents Renew Calls for Speed Humps

A primary school teacher in Soroti District has died following a fatal road accident involving a speeding vehicle along the busy Soroti–Mbale highway.

The deceased has been identified as John Okello, a Primary Three teacher at Awoja Primary School. The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon near Awoja Trading Centre as he attempted to cross the highway to access the school premises.

According to preliminary reports, Okello was knocked from behind by a vehicle, registration number UA 508CC, resulting in fatal injuries. He reportedly died at the scene of the accident.

The tragic incident has once again highlighted growing concerns about road safety along the Soroti–Mbale highway, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.

Robert Etochu, the LC I Chairperson of Apuuton Village in Awoja Parish, said residents have repeatedly appealed to authorities to install speed humps and other traffic calming measures to reduce accidents in the area.

He noted that Awoja Trading Centre has recorded several road crashes over the years, many of them linked to over-speeding motorists.

“We have alerted the authorities to install speed humps to help reduce over-speeding, but nothing has been done to date. We continue to lose the lives of our people to speeding vehicles on this road,” Etochu said.

The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Soroti City for medical treatment.

Traffic police in Soroti have launched investigations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the accident and determine whether any traffic regulations were violated.

The death of the teacher has sent shockwaves through the local community, with colleagues, learners, and residents mourning the loss of an educator described as dedicated to serving his pupils.

Road safety advocates have renewed calls for urgent intervention along the highway, including the installation of speed humps, pedestrian crossings, warning signs, and stricter enforcement of speed limits in populated areas.

Authorities are expected to release further details as investigations continue.

Rising Concern Over Road Accidents

The latest crash adds to the growing number of road accident fatalities reported across Uganda, where speeding, reckless driving, and inadequate road safety infrastructure remain major contributors to traffic-related deaths.

Local leaders are urging government agencies responsible for road safety to take immediate action before more lives are lost along the Soroti–Mbale highway.