A devastating road accident on the Kampala-Bombo Road has claimed the lives of five people and left 21 others injured, authorities confirmed.
The crash, which occurred on the night of March 5 at Mayanja Valley, involved a total of nine motor vehicles and one motorcycle.
According to a statement released by the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the accident was caused by a Fuso Super Grande truck (registration UBK 769A) that lost control while descending Mayanja Valley.
The out-of-control truck rammed into multiple vehicles and a motorcycle, resulting in a horrific chain-reaction crash that led to multiple fatalities and injuries.
Victims of the Tragedy
Eyewitnesses and first responders described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking.
Among the five people who lost their lives were passengers trapped inside mangled vehicles and the rider of the motorcycle involved in the crash.
Their bodies were later transported to Mulago City Mortuary.
As emergency crews worked through the night, survivors were rushed to Mulago Hospital, where they received urgent medical attention.
The 21 injured individuals were primarily passengers traveling in Toyota Hiace commuter vans, commonly known as “taxis” in Uganda.
A Trail of Destruction
The vehicles involved in the crash included several Toyota Hiace minibuses (UBQ 745N, UAY 704B, UAT 652K, UBD 829G, UAV 026F, and UBD 483N), a Toyota Corolla (UAL 333C), a Toyota Sienta (UBQ 062B), and the ill-fated Fuso Super Grande truck.
The lone motorcycle (UES 773K, Yamaha) bore the brunt of the impact, leading to the instant death of its rider.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the truck appeared to be moving at an unusually high speed before it lost control. “It was as if the driver could no longer steer it.
It kept swerving before slamming into the cars in front,” said one survivor, who sustained minor injuries. Another witness added that some passengers were ejected from their vehicles due to the sheer force of the impact.
Investigations Underway
Traffic police have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
The involved vehicles were towed to Kawempe Police Station for inspection as authorities seek to determine whether mechanical failure, speeding, or driver error contributed to the disaster.
“The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety. We urge all motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good condition, adhere to speed limits, and drive cautiously,” said SP Kananura Michael, the Public Relations Officer for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.
A Growing Concern for Road Safety
The Kampala-Bombo Road is a major highway that has seen several fatal crashes in recent years.
Traffic experts have pointed to poor road conditions, reckless driving, and overloaded vehicles as key factors contributing to accidents along this stretch.
Authorities have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of road safety measures, yet incidents like this continue to claim lives.
For the families of the deceased, the grief is overwhelming. Many had been traveling home from work or heading to visit relatives when tragedy struck.
One relative of a victim lamented, “We were waiting for him at home. Then we got the call that he was gone. Just like that.”
As Uganda mourns another devastating accident, questions remain about what more can be done to prevent such deadly crashes. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation, but for those who lost loved ones, the pain is immeasurable.
