A tragic road accident early this morning has claimed six lives and left five others critically injured following a head-on collision between a commuter taxi and a Fuso truck on the busy Kampala-Gulu Highway.
The fatal crash occurred around 6:00 AM in Sinalya, near Bombo, when a Toyota Hiace taxi, registration UBL 502Z, was struck head-on by a Fuso Fighter truck with registration UBN 052L.
According to Savanah Region Police spokesperson Sam Twinnaemazima, the Fuso driver was overtaking recklessly when he rammed into the oncoming taxi.
Police confirmed that the driver of the commuter taxi died on the spot along with several of his passengers.
Among the deceased are Rogers Mfitumukiza from Gakoro Village in Kisoro District, Charles Opirisa, a Ministry of Works employee residing in Banda, Nakawa Division, and Efrayimu Mugerwa of Kawala, Kasubi in Rubaga Division. Others include Joshua Ebong, a man identified only as Kato, and an unidentified female adult.
The Fuso driver fled the scene immediately after the collision, and his identity remains unknown. Police are actively searching for him and have called on members of the public to share any information that could assist with the investigation.
Residents who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash described a gruesome sight, with the wreckage of the taxi twisted beyond recognition and victims crying out for help. The injured were rushed to General Military Hospital in Bombo, where they are receiving emergency medical care.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Luwero Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
This stretch of the Kampala-Gulu Highway is notorious for accidents, often attributed to reckless driving and dangerous overtaking. Police have once again appealed to all road users to exercise caution, obey traffic regulations, and prioritize safety to prevent further loss of life.
Today’s tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of careless driving and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of road safety measures on Uganda’s highways.