A devastating road accident late Tuesday night has left 19 people dead and 13 others injured in one of the deadliest single-vehicle crashes reported this year in the Albertine Region.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 PM on August 5, along the Hoima-Bulisa Road at Kigorobya. According to preliminary reports from the Uganda Police, the crash involved a Fuso Fighter truck, registration number UBB 639W, which was ferrying market vendors from Wanseko-Buliisa Market.
Authorities say the truck was ascending a slight hill when it failed to make the climb. It began rolling backwards, eventually overturning and crushing many of the passengers it was carrying.
Nineteen people were confirmed dead at the scene, while thirteen others sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical. Emergency responders rushed the injured to nearby health facilities for urgent medical care, while the bodies of the deceased were transported to the Hoima City Mortuary for postmortem examinations.
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has launched a full investigation into the crash to determine whether mechanical failure, overloading, or driver error played a role in the tragedy.
Speaking on the incident, SP Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate, extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He also issued a stern warning to truck drivers and transporters, urging them to stop using cargo vehicles to transport people.
“Trucks are not designed for human transportation. Using them to carry passengers, especially in hilly or hazardous terrain, is extremely dangerous and often fatal,” Kananura said. He emphasized the need for regular mechanical inspections and greater caution on Uganda’s roads.
The deadly crash serves as yet another grim reminder of the consequences of unsafe transport practices, particularly in rural areas where oversight is limited and enforcement can be difficult.
As the nation mourns the loss of 19 lives, police continue to piece together the exact circumstances that led to the fatal rollover.
