Catholic Nun Dies in Fatal Rubanda Road Crash

RUBANDA — September 21, 2026: A Catholic nun has died and another passenger lost his life following a fatal road crash along the Kabale-Kisoro road in Rubanda District on Monday afternoon.

‎The deceased has been identified as Rev. Sr. Mary Goreth Tugumenawe Kenda, 58, who was attached to Kabale Diocese . Another unidentified male passenger died shortly after being rushed to Rubanda  Hospital.

‎According to Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson SP Nelson Tumushime, the crash occurred at about 2:00pm at Murutenga Village in Hamurwa Sub-county.

‎Police said the vehicle, a silver Toyota Noah registration number UAX 824H, was travelling along the Kabale-Kisoro road when the driver allegedly lost control while descending a steep slope. The vehicle reportedly overturned several times.

‎Several other passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment. Police identified some of the injured as Katushabe Jenerus, 47, a resident of Nyakabungo Village, Kishanje Parish in Bufundi Sub-county, Rubanda District; Hakiza Abed, 30, a Rwandan national; and Garuka Hamis, 54.

‎Police have attributed the crash to suspected speeding and urged motorists to exercise maximum caution on the region’s roads.

‎“Motorists should avoid speeding and overloading and ensure that their vehicles are in good mechanical condition before setting off,” SP Tumushime said.

‎A life dedicated to education and service

‎Sr. Mary Goreth was remembered as a dedicated Catholic religious sister and educator who served in several institutions within Kabale Diocese.

‎She taught at San Giovanni School Makiro, St. Mary’s College Rushoroza and St. Theresa Girls’ Vocational Secondary School Rushoroza, where she served as head teacher from 2016 to 2022.

‎She was also involved in the Catholic Church’s musical ministry and served as one of the choir conductors when Kabale Diocese animated the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo in 2009.

‎Her death has sparked mourning among members of the Catholic community, former students, colleagues and those who knew her through her years of service.

‎The Catholic community and the congregation to which Sr. Mary Goreth belonged have been urged to remain strong as they mourn her death.

Sr. Mary Goreth will be laid to rest on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Kyabirukwa Mother House in Isingiro District.

‎ENDS///////