Today in History: Former Vice President Gad Toko Dies in Road Crash

What the report says

Nile Post reports that August 18 marks the anniversary of the 2002 road crash that killed former Ugandan Vice President Brigadier Gad Wilson Toko and Constitutional Review Commission member Christine Kania. The collision happened at Bulumagi on the Kampala-Jinja highway, roughly 12 to 13 kilometres from Jinja, while Toko was driving to Jinja for a golf tournament. According to the account, he was traveling to preside over the Club Pilsner Jinja Open Golf Tournament when his vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming car.

The report says the crash occurred in the late morning after Toko tried to overtake a slow-moving truck. His view was reportedly blocked by exhaust fumes, contributing to the collision. Kania, her driver and another passenger died at the scene, while Toko suffered serious injuries and died en route to Jinja Hospital. The story notes that the accident ended the life of a figure closely associated with Uganda’s military and political history, as well as a senior legal official involved in constitutional review.

Nile Post also provides background on Toko’s career. Born in 1943, he was among Uganda’s early jet fighter trainees and became the first Ugandan to fly a Soviet-made MiG fighter solo. He later led the Uganda Air Force and briefly served as de facto vice president and vice chairman of the Military Council after the 1985 coup. Kania, born in 1950, served in the judiciary and later on the commission reviewing Uganda’s 1995 Constitution. The historical note underscores their influence in public service, aviation, law and constitutional reform.