State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, narrowly escaped death after being involved in a tragic road accident in Kagadi District en route to Fort Portal for the annual Tooro Kingdom Youth Conference.
The incident, which occurred along the Kagadi–Fort Portal highway, reportedly involved Balaam’s vehicle and a motorcycle (boda boda). According to a statement posted by Balaam on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the accident was severe, but thanks to the “quick thinking and skillful maneuvers” of their driver, the passengers in the car were saved from greater harm.
Tragically, the boda boda rider involved in the crash lost his life at the scene. Two members of Balaam’s team also sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby health facility for medical attention.
“We thank God for His mercy,” Balaam wrote. “Our car was involved in a horrific accident in Kagadi on our way to Fort Portal for the Tooro Kingdom annual Youth Conference. I’m grateful for our driver’s quick thinking and skillful maneuvers that saved us. Sadly, a boda boda rider lost his life, and two of our people were injured. May the deceased soul rest in peace. My condolences to the family, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Police are yet to release an official statement on the incident, but preliminary reports indicate that the crash was a result of a head-on collision between Balaam’s convoy and the boda boda, whose rider may have been trying to overtake another vehicle.
Balaam, known for his philanthropy and close ties with various political figures and cultural institutions, was heading to Fort Portal for a youth engagement hosted by the Tooro Kingdom—a key annual event aimed at empowering young people across the region.
Police investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing. The identity of the deceased boda boda rider has not yet been disclosed pending notification of the family.