By Swift Reporter
A fuel tanker en route to Gulu plunged into the River Nile at Karuma Bridge in the early hours of Wednesday, April 8, 2026, prompting an ongoing search and recovery operation.
The accident occurred at about 2:00am along the Kampala–Gulu Highway when the truck reportedly lost control near the bridge and veered into the river. Karuma, about 260 kilometres north of Kampala, is a key transit point linking the capital to northern cities such as Gulu, Lira, and Arua.
Solomon Mugisha, Acting Police Public Relations Officer for Albertine North, said the tanker was later spotted floating approximately four kilometres downstream from where it is believed to have entered the water.
“The vehicle was seen floating about four kilometres from Karuma Bridge, but it is now blocked by rocks. We have not yet recovered it, and no bodies have been found so far,” Mugisha said.
He explained that the tanker is trapped between rocks, making recovery difficult without specialised marine equipment. Police have engaged marine experts to support the operation once the equipment is secured.
The incident has renewed concerns about safety along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, particularly at Karuma, which is known for its sharp bends and steep sections near the bridge and falls.
Police attribute many crashes along this route to driver fatigue, speeding, and failure to follow traffic regulations.
In February 2026, a similar accident occurred when a truck carrying maize crashed through bridge barriers and plunged into the Nile at the same spot.
Investigations into the latest crash are ongoing as authorities work to recover the tanker and establish whether there were any casualties.
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