A man in Uganda, Suubi Balidawa, has been arrested after a series of dramatic actions following a road accident on July 6, 2024.
The incident happened on Gayaza Road near the Riham Depot at 9:18 am, when Balidawa, driving a black Toyota Wish with the registration number UBE 852 E, knocked down a pedestrian, Nakabaliki Naome.
Naome, who is 58 years old, was crossing the road to visit her son when she was hit.
After the accident, Balidawa tried to escape but was stopped by boda-boda riders (motorcycle taxi drivers).
They insisted that he should take the injured woman to the hospital. Instead of taking her to the hospital himself, Balidawa transferred Naome to a hired motorcycle and left his vehicle in another location to avoid being caught.
He even gave a false number plate to Naome’s son, trying to evade responsibility for the accident.
Naome’s son reported the incident at Kanyanya Police Station. When the police followed up, they found that Balidawa had not come forward as he was supposed to.
When the police contacted him, he said he was busy taking care of his sick child.
Two days later, on May 9, Balidawa finally went to the Elegu Police Station. The police instructed him to hand over his vehicle and follow the proper procedures, but he did not do so immediately.
It wasn’t until May 17 that he reported to Kanyanya Police Station. At first, he denied being involved in the accident but later admitted to what he had done.
Balidawa was released on police bond on May 18. However, on May 21, a video appeared on social media showing him setting his Toyota Wish on fire.
This act was seen as an attempt to destroy evidence and avoid facing the consequences of his actions.
The Uganda Police Force has since arrested Balidawa again. He is currently being held at Elegu Police Station while further investigations are underway.