13 dead, critical after Bugiri highway collision

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On Monday, thirteen people were killed and six others critically injured when a taxi (drone), registration number UBQ 772A, collided head-on with a trailer at Lwaba Village, about three kilometres along the Bugiri–Iganga highway.

The crash, which occurred around 9:30 am during heavy rain, involved a taxi, a trailer, and a bodaboda cyclist.

An eyewitness, Joseph Sooka, said the rider of the motorcycle, who was heading towards Bugiri with a female passenger, lost control while attempting to overtake the taxi. 

In the process, he collided with the taxi, causing the container on the trailer to fall off and land on the female passenger and the bodaboda rider, killing them instantly.

The driver of the trailer, registered under number KBM 157S – ZF 3160, reportedly fled the scene after the accident.

The two bodies—those of the female passenger and the rider—were retrieved after the container was lifted.

Some of the deceased were identified as Nathan Kirya, the headteacher of Buffaki Primary School in Mayuge; Kasimu Mugwere of Busia; Jamada Yakuti of Bugiri Municipality; Tony Wabwire, a businessman in Muwayo Town Council; and Margret Nakibuka.

Twelve of the passengers died on the spot, while another died while receiving treatment at Bugiri Main Hospital.

The hospital administrator, Anthony Wamasyuwo, urged members of the public to visit Bugiri Main Hospital to identify the bodies still lying in the mortuary, as they have not been identified.

Wamasyuwo also mentioned that four of the injured, who sustained broken arms and legs, were referred to Jinja Main Referral Hospital for further treatment.

By press time, the wreckage of the two vehicles had been towed to Bugiri Central Police Station as investigations continued.

All the bodies were taken to Bugiri Main Hospital Mortuary, awaiting collection by their relatives.

Ahmed Kawere, a resident of Lwaba village, urged relevant authorities to install speed bumps at the accident spot to reduce accidents in the area.

“We have lost several lives at this same spot, but none of our authorities have taken action to advocate for the installation of road humps to slow down the speed of vehicles heading in both directions,” he said.

A total of 39 people have died in road accidents at the same spot over the past two years.

The police spokesman for Busoga East, Michael Kafayo, urged motorists to adhere to the recommended speed limit to avoid similar incidents.

Kafayo stated that efforts were underway to ensure all the deceased from the accident were identified and handed over to their families for a proper burial.

The resident district commissioner of Bugiri, Paul Kalikwani, said traffic police presence would be increased at the location in a bid to reduce accidents.