On October 3, 2026, an anti-smuggling operation by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) turned tragic after Officer Ronald Wabomba of the URA Customs Department was seriously injured in a road crash and later died.
According to information from URA, the Enforcement Team at Busitema received intelligence at around 8:00am about a Toyota Nadia, registration number UBA 470A, which was allegedly transporting smuggled motor vehicle tyres from Busia through the Busia–Mayuge–Musiita road.
Following the intelligence, the Enforcement Team tasked Officer Ronald Wabomba to mobilise a team and intercept the vehicle at Musiita. At around 10:00pm, the team spotted the Toyota Nadia, but the driver reportedly refused to stop and sped away towards Magamaga.
The chase continued until the driver eventually stopped at Buwanga Village and parked on the right side of the road. As he attempted to escape through the passenger door, Officer Wabomba and another person crossed the road and managed to apprehend him.
However, tragedy struck shortly afterwards when an Isuzu truck, registration number KDS 499D, travelling from Jinja, reportedly rammed into the team. The crash left three people seriously injured, including Wabomba.
Wabomba was rushed to Iganga Hospital before being transferred to International Hospital Kampala (IHK) for further treatment due to the seriousness of his injuries. Sadly, he was pronounced dead on Sunday morning.
The Toyota Nadia and the Isuzu truck were later taken to Magamaga Police Station. The Toyota Nadia was reportedly found loaded with motor vehicle tyres and other suspected smuggled goods.
URA Commissioner General described Wabomba’s death as a painful loss to the authority, saying the Customs officer died while carrying out his duties. He added that the URA Human Resource office was already in contact with Wabomba’s family.
“It’s a sad day for URA as we have lost one of ours in the line of duty,” the Commissioner General said.
