By Our Reporter
KATAKWI
Tragedy has struck in Katakwi District as Dr. Simon Ichumar Omeke, the District Health Officer, lost his life in a road accident at Ogoloi Village along the Soroti-Katakwi road.
According to eyewitnesses, the crash occurred on Tuesday Night at around 10 PM while Dr. Ichumar was driving home to Soroti City after a day’s work at the Katakwi District Local Government.
He was accompanied by two other passengers, a man and a woman, whose identities remain unknown.
Reports suggest that the woman, identified only as Charity, was seated in the front passenger seat alongside Dr. Ichumar, while an elderly gentleman, believed to be the driver of Dr. Ichumar’s tractor, was seated in the back.
Geoffrey Omolo, the LC5 Chairperson for Katakwi, visited the scene and confirmed the unfortunate news on April 8th, 2026.
Although the police have yet to release an official statement, Omolo speculated that the vehicle registration number UG 6670M may have suffered a mechanical failure.
He explained that the car collided with the side of the road before crashing into the bridge, indicating a struggle to regain control that ultimately resulted in the accident.
He added that the steering wheel likely detached during the crash, causing significant damage to the front of the vehicle.
Both passengers sustained severe injuries, including deep cuts,.
Dr. Ichumar’s body is currently at Bethesda Hospital’s mortuary, while the injured woman and the elderly man are receiving treatment in the emergency room at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.
Richard Okello, the area LC1 Chairperson said this is the first fatal motor crash for many years though a motorcycle also recently had a crash in the very spot but no fatalities were reported
Dr. Simon Ichumar Omeke was a Ugandan Public Health Specialist and medical doctor (MBChB, MPH) who served as the District Health Officer (DHO) for Katakwi District. He was a recognized health leader in the Teso sub-region, focusing on maternal health, male involvement in antenatal care, and disease control.
