Kamuli District Chairman Killed in Road Collision En Route to NRM Nominations

Tragic End for District Leader on Political Mission

Kamuli District has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of its LC5 Chairperson, Charles Maxwell Mugude, in a devastating road accident early Thursday morning. The collision occurred along the Kayunga–Galiraya road as Mugude traveled to collect nomination documents crucial to his re-election bid.

Fatal Collision During Critical Political Journey

Preliminary reports indicate the accident happened around mid-morning on June 12, 2025, when the vehicle driven by Chairman Mugude collided head-on with a sugarcane truck. Emergency responders confirmed Mugude died instantly at the scene. Authorities have not yet released information regarding other potential occupants in Mugude's vehicle or the condition of the truck driver.

"This is a profound loss for Kamuli and the entire NRM fraternity," said a party official who requested anonymity. "He was a dedicated public servant traveling to fulfill a crucial democratic process."

Political Context and Unfinished Mission

Mugude, a prominent member of Uganda's ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), was actively seeking re-election as district chairperson. His journey that morning was specifically to obtain nomination papers from NRM Electoral Commission offices ahead of impending party primaries. Having served since his election victory in 2021, Mugude was widely recognized as a staunch advocate for his constituency and party loyalist.

The Kayunga–Galiraya road, where the tragedy unfolded, is a significant transit route known for heavy commercial traffic, particularly trucks transporting agricultural produce from the region's extensive sugarcane plantations. Safety advocates have previously raised concerns about accident rates along this corridor.

Investigations Underway Amidst Community Grief

Traffic police have launched a full investigation to determine the precise cause of the collision. Key questions remain unanswered, including:

• Weather and road conditions at the time of impact
• Mechanical status of both vehicles involved
• Potential eyewitness accounts

Local government operations in Kamuli District have been temporarily disrupted, with officials declaring a three-day mourning period. President Museveni's office issued a statement acknowledging Mugude's "steadfast service to the people of Kamuli and contribution to the NRM."

Broader Implications for District Leadership

Mugude's untimely death creates an immediate vacancy in Kamuli's top administrative position during a critical election cycle. Constitutional provisions dictate that the District Executive Committee must appoint an interim chairperson within seven days, while the NRM's electoral calendar will require adjustments for the Kamuli LC5 race.

Residents expressed shock and sorrow at the news. "He was returning from visiting our sub-county just yesterday," shared local farmer Robert Mubiru. "His focus was entirely on improving our roads and markets. This is a dark day for Kamuli."

The NRM Secretariat confirmed that nomination processes would continue as scheduled but announced special commemorations to honor the deceased chairman. As investigations proceed, the district awaits further details about this sudden tragedy that claimed a leader in the midst of his democratic duties.