Tragedy Strikes URA As Customs Officer Ronald Wabomba Dies During Enforcement Operation
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is mourning the death of Customs officer Ronald Wabomba, who lost his life after being involved in a road crash during an operation to intercept a vehicle suspected of carrying smuggled goods.
The incident happened on October 3, 2026, after the URA Enforcement Team at Busitema received intelligence about a Toyota Nadia, registration number UBA 470A, allegedly transporting smuggled motor vehicle tyres from Busia along the Busia–Mayuge–Musiita route.Following the alert, Officer Wabomba was tasked with organising a team to intercept the suspected smuggling vehicle at Musiita. At about 10:00pm, the team located the vehicle, but the driver allegedly ignored their attempts to stop him and sped off towards Magamaga.
The pursuit continued until the vehicle reached Buwanga Village, where the driver eventually stopped and parked on the right side of the road. The suspect reportedly tried to flee through the passenger side, but Wabomba and another person crossed the road and succeeded in apprehending him.Moments later, however, an Isuzu truck, registration number KDS 499D, which was travelling from Jinja, reportedly crashed into the team. Three people were seriously injured in the collision, with Wabomba among those who sustained critical injuries.He was first taken to Iganga Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to International Hospital Kampala (IHK) because of the severity of his injuries.
Despite efforts to save his life, Wabomba died on Sunday morning.Following the incident, both the Toyota Nadia and the Isuzu truck were taken to Magamaga Police Station. The suspected smuggling vehicle was reportedly found carrying motor vehicle tyres and other goods believed to have been smuggled.URA Commissioner General expressed sadness over the death, describing Wabomba as an officer who lost his life while performing his official duties. The authority’s Human Resource office has also been engaging with the deceased officer’s family following the tragedy.
