Everlyn Agnes Namome, a 55-year-old senior medical clinical officer and farmer, was involved in a road accident on September 1, 2023, at Kikindu Market along the Mbale-Kumi Road in Mbale City. According to her lawyers, Sefu Advocates & Solicitors, Namome sustained serious injuries when a government vehicle, escorted by armed police officers, allegedly interfered with her truck, causing it to lose control and overturn.
The accident, recorded under police file number TAR 116/2023, resulted in Namome being rushed to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment. Medical records indicate that she sustained closed comminuted fractures of the tibia and fibula, requiring surgical treatment, including an open reduction and internal fixation procedure. Her lawyers claim that the injuries caused prolonged pain and suffering, trauma, temporary disability, and loss of earning capacity.
Namome's lawyers have issued a statutory notice of intention to sue the Government, former Minister Raphael Magyezi, several police officers, and the minister's former driver over the accident. The notice, dated October 13, 2026, demands Shs227 million in compensation, comprising Shs37 million in medical expenses, Shs40 million for lost groundnuts, truck-related business losses, and administrative expenses, and Shs150 million in general damages.
The lawyers argue that the police officers, acting in the course of their official duties under the Very Important Persons Protection Unit (VIPPU), were negligent, including allegedly removing the truck driver from a moving vehicle, interfering with other motorists' right of way, excessive speed, reckless convoy driving, and failure to observe traffic regulations. They also accuse the officers of assault and battery against the truck driver, Mubarak Mwanika.
The statutory notice names Magyezi, the minister's former driver Moses Anzaliya Nginama, Corporal Mugwa Abel, and Police Constable Ojok Eric among the intended defendants. The lawyers hold the Government vicariously liable for the alleged actions of the officers, citing the Government Proceedings Act. They demand payment of the Shs227 million within 45 days of receipt of the statutory notice, together with interest at 25 per cent per annum from the date of the accident, and legal costs.
The Director of Traffic and Road Safety, AIGP Lawrence Nuwabiine, has previously acknowledged following up on the matter, engaging the complainant, and blaming the minister's escorts for their alleged misconduct. He pledged to ensure that the complainant receives justice, describing Namome as a vulnerable victim who had suffered injuries.
The case is set to proceed to court if the demanded compensation is not paid within the specified period. The lawyers have attached a police report and accident sketch plan to support the claim. None of the respondents could be reached for comment by the time of publishing this story.
Key points
- The woman is demanding Shs227 million in compensation for her injuries and losses.
- The accident occurred on September 1, 2023, involving police officers escorting former Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi.
- The case is set to proceed to court if the demanded compensation is not paid within the specified period.
