Katakwi District Health Officer , Dr Simon Icumar Omeke, has died in a night road crash along the Soroti–Moroto Highway at, about 12 kilometres from Soroti City.
The crash occurred at the Akaikai Swamp area after 8:00 pm on Tuesday, as the doctor was reportedly traveling toward Soroti City.
East Kyoga Regional Police Commander Mr Ibrahim Saiga said the crash involved a Ministry of Health vehicle, registration number UG 6070M, which was being driven by Dr Omeke.
He said the vehicle veered off the road before overturning, killing the doctor instantly.
“The vehicle veered off the road before it crashed killing the doctor instantly,” Mr Saiga said.
Two other occupants, whose identities had not yet been established, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, where they were admitted for treatment after being evacuated from the scene.
“We are still investigating the cause of the accident and the cause of the death of the doctor,” Mr Saiga said.
Police added that investigations into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
Close associates described Dr Omeke “as a humble and approachable professional who will be remembered for his humour and dedication to public service.”
Dr Omeke is the second senior Katakwi medical officer to die in a road crash in recent years. Two years ago, the district lost Dr Simon Morulem in a crash along the Usuk–Katakwi Road as he reportedly rushed to attend to a critical patient.
Both doctors hailed from Usuk.
Before his reassignment as Katakwi DHO, Dr Omeke had previously worked with the United Nations (UN) before returning to public service, where he oversaw the upgrading of several Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs in the district.
Uganda continues to grapple with a worsening road safety situation, with police data indicating a steady rise in fatalities and injuries in 2024 and early 2025.
Authorities estimate that between 13 and 15 people die daily in road crashes across the country.