By Captain Angel
Hundreds of mourners gathered on Thursday at Sapir Cell, Kangodo Ward, in Ocaapa Town Council, Serere District, to lay to rest the late David Orago, who died after being knocked down by a boda boda rider earlier this week.
Orago was fatally struck on Monday, 10th November 2025, along the Soroti–Ocaapa Road, formerly known as the Old Mbale Road. His sudden death sparked grief and tension among residents and clan members, some of whom initially threatened revenge before security personnel intervened to calm the situation.
Addressing mourners, Paul Omoding, the clan chairperson, confirmed that the boda boda rider whose name was withheld—had been arrested. He further revealed that leaders from both clans held peace talks which ended in a harmonized settlement.
According to Omoding, the rider’s clan agreed to shoulder all burial expenses, provide food for the ceremony, and compensate the bereaved family with several cows, a gesture aimed at restoring peace and ensuring justice in line with local customs.
While speaking at the burial, Martin Onguruco, the NRM flag bearer for the LC5 seat, warned boda boda riders against overspeeding and riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs including opium.
Onguruco noted that the accident was reportedly caused by overspeeding and involved a modern electric motorcycle, which operates quietly compared to fuel-powered bikes. He expressed concern that these silent electric motorcycles pose an increased risk to other road users, especially pedestrians who may not hear them approaching.
“We must resist the habit of drinking and riding,” Onguruco emphasized. “Such recklessness will only increase the number of tragic accidents like this one.”
Onguruco applauded the two clans for choosing dialogue and respecting the law instead of resorting to violence or revenge. He urged all road users to follow traffic rules to prevent further accidents.
He also raised concerns about rising cases of insecurity in the area, particularly the alleged use of motorcycles to steal livestock at night. He condemned the practice and warned that perpetrators would face the full force of the law.
As the festive season approaches, Onguruco encouraged residents to remain vigilant, noting that criminals often take advantage of the period to break into homes and steal household items and animals.
Continuing his address, Onguruco encouraged farmers in Serere to embrace coffee farming, citing its proven contribution to improved household incomes in other regions such as Central Uganda.
He also urged residents to turn up in large numbers for upcoming local government elections—LCV, LCIII, and councillorship positions stressing that grassroots leadership plays a crucial role in shaping community development and influencing government programs.
He cautioned against only focusing on Parliamentary and Presidential elections while ignoring the equally important local ones.
Several residents who attended the burial voiced concerns over what they described as an increasing number of accidents along the Soroti–Ocaapa Road, many of them involving speeding cars and motorcycles.
They called upon the government, particularly the Ministry of Works and Transport, to install road signage and other safety measures to reduce accidents and enhance awareness for both motorists and pedestrians.
