A devastating collision between a passenger bus and a truck on the Kampala-Masaka highway has resulted in eight fatalities and numerous serious injuries. The accident occurred around 1 a.m. local time at the notorious Kabaale Bugonzi valley corner in Kalungu District.
According to police reports, a speeding Jaguar bus with registration number UBP 964T, en route to Rwanda, collided with a Canter Tipper truck (registration UAV 988N) traveling from Masaka to Kampala. Eyewitnesses report that the bus driver lost control while navigating the sharp corner, leading to the fatal collision and subsequent overturning of the bus.
The deceased have been identified as Teopista Amaali, 39; Edrine Atushabomwe, 35; Moses Awanyi Okello, 46; Mark Munyandamusa, 53; Everine Natukunda, 31; Liz Akaliza, 28; Steven Kainamula, 51; and an individual known only as Acham.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences. Tony Akizimaana, who managed to rescue a child, described the chaos: “After the bus collided with the tipper, it fell in the middle of the road and overturned. The tires were up.”
Carolyne Awanyi, traveling with her family, shared her grief over losing her husband in the crash. “I was sleeping when I suddenly heard a loud noise and realized the bus was turning over. My husband suggested we sit at the back because we had three children, and there was more space. Unfortunately, he died instantly,” she said.
Regional police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed the incident, attributing it to reckless driving. He emphasized that this tragic event should prompt stricter enforcement of traffic regulations on the highway.
The Kabaale Bugonzi corner is known as a “horror spot” due to frequent accidents, often attributed to reckless driving and dangerous overtaking, particularly by bus drivers.
In the aftermath of the crash, both drivers reportedly fled the scene, prompting a police manhunt. The vehicles involved have been impounded at Masaka Police Station as investigations continue.
The bodies of the deceased have been transported to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for post-mortem examinations. As authorities work to piece together the events leading to this tragedy, the incident has reignited discussions about road safety measures on Uganda’s highways.
Credit: nilepost.co.ug
