Balaam Barugahara Survives Fatal Accident in Kagadi Enroute to Tooro Kingdom Youth Conference

Published by www.ugandatoday.co.ug | July 18, 2025

Renowned events promoter, government minister and mobiliser Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi is counting his blessings after surviving a fatal road accident in Kagadi District while on his way to Fort Portal for the Tooro Kingdom Annual Youth Conference.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media shortly after the incident, Balaam expressed profound gratitude to God for sparing his life and those of his team members during what he described as a “horrific accident.”

“Thank God for His mercy. Our car was involved in a horrific accident in Kagadi on our way to Fort Portal for the Tooro Kingdom Annual Youth Conference. I’m grateful for our driver’s quick thinking and skillful maneuvers that saved us,” he wrote.

Tragically, the accident claimed the life of a boda boda rider, while two members of Balaam’s team sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. The identities of the injured have not yet been disclosed, but sources close to the team confirmed that they are in stable condition.

Advertising

“May the deceased soul rest in peace. My condolences to the family, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Balaam added in his statement, tagging the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (@Mglsd_UG), under which the youth conference falls.

The road crash occurred along the Kagadi–Kyenjojo route, a stretch often plagued by reckless overtaking, speeding, and poor road visibility. Eyewitnesses told Uganda Today that Balaam’s convoy encountered a sudden obstacle when the boda boda rider swerved into their path, leading to the devastating collision.

Local authorities in Kagadi have since launched investigations into the cause of the accident. Police spokesperson for the Albertine region, ASP Julius Hakiza, confirmed that preliminary findings point to a head-on collision between the vehicle carrying Balaam and the motorcyclist, who was reportedly not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

The Tooro Kingdom Youth Conference, a major annual gathering that brings together youth from across the kingdom and beyond,  proceeded as planned despite the unfortunate incident. It is organized in partnership with various stakeholders including the Ministry of Gender, and seeks to empower youth with leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural education.

Balaam Barugahara’s near-death experience has sparked a wave of sympathy and renewed calls for road safety advocacy, particularly in rural districts where boda boda transport remains dominant but under-regulated.

We join Balaam in mourning the deceased and praying for full recovery of the injured. His survival is a reminder of the fragility of life—and the need for caution on Uganda’s roads.

Editor’s Note:
This story is developing. Updates on the condition of the injured and official police findings will be shared as they become available.

📍 Website: https://www.ugandatoday.co.ug
📱 WhatsApp: +256 702 239 337
🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @uganda43443 | @ugtodaynews (Uganda
📧 Email: ugandatodayedition@gmail.com

Let’s help you grow your brand and keep your audience informed. Partner with Uganda Today—where your story matters in shaping the social and economic dynamics of the country