By Our Reporter
Passengers on a Tausi bus traveling from Kampala to western Uganda narrowly escaped tragedy on Friday afternoon when their vehicle caught fire along the Masaka–Mbarara highway.
The incident occurred near Kyazanga town, Lwengo District, after smoke was first spotted billowing from the rear tyres on the driver’s side as the bus approached Kanyogoga, just before the Prisons area.
Eyewitnesses said the driver pressed on until reaching Kyazanga town, where he safely pulled over by the roadside. He quickly instructed passengers to disembark, moments before flames engulfed the bus.
Greater Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson, ASP Twaha Kasirye, confirmed the incident, praising the driver’s quick response.
“They attempted to use the fire extinguisher, but the flames had already taken over the bus,” Kasirye said. “Fortunately, no lives were lost. All passengers evacuated in time, though property stored in the boot was destroyed.”
By the time police and traffic officers from Kyazanga and Lwengo District arrived, the bus had already been reduced to ashes. Traffic along the busy highway was briefly diverted to allow emergency services to secure the area.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by brake jamming, though authorities say official findings will be released after a full inspection.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety on the Masaka–Mbarara highway, a busy route that has witnessed several accidents and vehicle fires in recent years.
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