By Our Reporter
Twelve lives were tragically lost in a horrific road accident late Sunday night on the Iganga–Bugiri Highway, reportedly triggered by a reckless overtaking attempt by a motorcycle rider.
The fatal crash occurred at around 10 p.m. in Lwaba Village, Kapyanga Sub-county, along the busy Jinja–Malaba Highway. A Toyota Hiace taxi (registration number UBQ 772A) traveling from Kampala to Tororo collided head-on with a container-carrying trailer (registration KBM 175S) en route from Malaba.
According to preliminary police findings, the accident was caused by a motorcycle (boda boda) attempting a dangerous overtake from the opposite direction. The rider, moving from Bugiri Town to Busowa Town Council, veered into the lane of the oncoming taxi in a sudden move that left no time for either driver to react.
The result was catastrophic. Nine people died instantly, with another victim passing away while being rushed to a nearby medical facility. The motorcycle rider and his passenger also perished on the spot, bringing the death toll to twelve.
Busoga East Police spokesperson Michael Kafayo confirmed the incident and emphasized that investigations are underway to uncover the full details surrounding the crash. “We can confirm 12 fatalities at this point. Efforts are ongoing to identify the victims and notify their families,” he stated.
The crash scene presented a heartbreaking sight, with emergency responders and police struggling into the night to extract bodies from the mangled wreckage of the taxi. The motorcycle was also severely damaged.
Local authorities, working with police, have since cordoned off the area and are appealing to the public for any eyewitness accounts that could help piece together the incident. Witnesses say the stretch of road where the crash occurred is known for its high traffic and frequent speeding.
The deceased were transported to Bugiri Hospital mortuary, and police have called on families with missing relatives to come forward to aid in identification.
Traffic along the Jinja–Malaba route was briefly brought to a standstill but has since resumed. However, the tragedy has reignited concerns over road safety, particularly on highways known for high-speed travel and night-time trucking.
Authorities continue to warn motorists, boda boda riders, and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution, especially at night when visibility is poor. Over the years, the Jinja–Malaba Highway has been the scene of multiple fatal accidents, often blamed on human error, over-speeding, and poor road use judgment.
This latest incident is one of the deadliest in the region in recent months and highlights the ongoing need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and public awareness campaigns targeting road safety.
As families grieve their lost loved ones, the community is left shaken by a tragedy that many believe could have been avoided with greater care and responsibility on the road.
Have An Advert Or Article You Want Us To Publish? Email: swiftnewsug@gmail.com
