In the week spanning September 22-28, 2024, road accidents resulted in 70 fatalities and 349 injuries.
The casualties included 32 motorcyclists, 21 pedestrians, 7 motorcycle passengers, 4 vehicle passengers, 3 cyclists, 2 individuals classified as others, and one driver.
Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate, reported that the majority of the incidents resulted from unsafe overtaking, which accounted for 34% of the total accidents, followed by speeding, responsible for 20%.
A significant incident involved 25 pupils who were injured in a serious crash on September 29, 2024, at approximately 5:00am.
This accident occurred at Kabarungi along the Mbarara Highway, involving an Isuzu bus (UBR 864H) operated by Gold Star Coaches.
Kananura explained that the bus was enroute from Kasese to Kalungu, transporting students from St. Kizito Mugigi Primary School who were on a study trip.
The driver reportedly fell asleep, causing the bus to veer off the road and into a nearby plantation.
All 25 injured pupils were taken to Kitovu Hospital for treatment, where they continue to receive care. Preliminary investigations suggest that driver fatigue was a contributing factor in this incident.
