By Andrew Nakhaboya
BUDUDA
A woman who sustained serious injuries in a road accident allegedly involving police officers escorting a government minister is demanding Shs227 million in compensation from the Government.
Everlyn Agnes Namome, through her lawyers, Sefu Advocates & Solicitors, has issued a statutory notice of intention to sue the Government, former Local Government Minister Raphael Magezi, several police officers and the minister’s former driver over the September 2023 accident.
The accident reportedly occurred on September 1, 2023, at Kikindu Market along the Mbale-Kumi Road in Mbale City.
According to the notice dated October 13, 2026, Namome was travelling in a Mitsubishi Fuso truck, registration number UBD 178H, driven by Mubarak Mwanika. The truck was transporting her groundnut harvest from Bukedea District to her home in Bududa.
The lawyers allege that a government vehicle, registration number UG 3478R, carrying Magezi and driven by Moses Anzaliya Nginama, interfered with the truck before armed police escorts allegedly pulled Mwanika out of the moving vehicle.
The truck reportedly lost control, overturned and rolled approximately 56 metres into a water trench near Navani House, close to a bus company parking area, scattering its cargo.
Namome sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
The incident is referenced under police file number TAR 116/2023.
Injuries and medical treatment
Medical records cited in the demand indicate that Namome sustained closed comminuted fractures of the tibia and fibula, injuries that required surgical intervention.
Her treatment reportedly included an open reduction and internal fixation procedure, during which a buttress plate was used to stabilise the fractures at Bamboo Medicals. She later underwent another operation to remove the plate.
The lawyers also cite diagnostic investigations conducted at Palace City Medical Centre.
According to the medical assessment referenced in the claim, Dr Francis Riwo Owori assessed Namome’s temporary disability at 70 per cent.
Namome was reportedly 55 years old at the time of the assessment. She worked as a senior medical clinical officer and also engaged in farming.
Her lawyers argue that the injuries caused prolonged pain and suffering, temporary disability and reduced her capacity to earn a living.
Shs227m compensation breakdown
The lawyers have placed the compensation demand at Shs227 million, comprising special damages, business losses and general damages.
The claim includes Shs37 million for medical expenses, surgeries and diagnostic investigations.
Another Shs40 million is sought for the loss of groundnuts, truck-related business losses and administrative expenses.
The remaining Shs150 million is claimed as general damages for pain and suffering, trauma, temporary disability and loss of earning capacity.
The lawyers argue that the Government is vicariously liable for the alleged actions of the police escorts, whom they say were acting in the course of their official duties under the Very Important Persons Protection Unit (VIPPU), which operates under the Uganda Police Force’s Directorate of Counter Terrorism.
They accuse the officers of negligence, including allegedly removing the truck driver from a moving vehicle, interfering with other motorists’ right of way, driving recklessly and failing to observe traffic regulations.
The demand also accuses the officers of assault and battery against Mwanika.
Police director promises follow-up
The Director of Traffic and Road Safety, AIGP Lawrence Nuwabiine, has previously acknowledged following up on the matter with Namome.
Nuwabiine reportedly said he had initially believed the case had been concluded but blamed the minister’s escorts for their alleged misconduct.
He described Namome as a vulnerable victim who had suffered injuries and pledged to establish the status of the matter to ensure justice was served.
Citing the Government Proceedings Act, the lawyers have given the respondents 45 days from receipt of the statutory notice to settle the claim.
They further demand interest at 25 per cent per annum from the date of the accident, together with legal costs, warning that failure to comply will prompt civil proceedings in the High Court.
The allegations contained in the statutory notice have not been tested in court. The Government, Uganda Police Force and other named individuals have not
been independently established to be liable for the accident.
