A tragic road accident in Bugiri District late Sunday night has claimed the lives of 12 individuals in one of the deadliest incidents reported in the region in recent months. The collision, involving a commuter taxi and a trailer carrying a container, occurred at approximately 10:00 PM at Lwaba Village in Kapyanga Sub-county along the busy Jinja–Malaba Highway.

Incident Details

According to preliminary police reports, the sequence of events leading to the crash began when a motorcycle rider attempted a reckless overtaking maneuver. The rider, along with his passenger, was reportedly traveling in the opposite direction when the maneuver interfered with the normal course of traffic. This sudden intrusion is believed to have forced a head-on collision between a Toyota Hiace taxi (registration UBQ 772A) and a trailer (registration KBM 175S) coming from Malaba.

Casualties and Emergency Response

The devastating impact resulted in nine fatalities at the scene. An additional victim succumbed to injuries while being transported to a local hospital, bringing the total confirmed death toll to 12. Emergency responders faced significant challenges as they worked through the night to retrieve bodies from the mangled wreckage. The victims’ remains were subsequently taken to Bugiri Hospital mortuary, and local authorities are actively reaching out to families to confirm and notify next of kin.

Ongoing Investigation and Road Safety Concerns

Busoga East Police spokesperson Michael Kafayo confirmed the death toll and noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the precise circumstances that led to the collision. Authorities are collaborating with local officials to collect witness testimonies and further evidence from the scene. This tragic incident has sparked renewed calls for increased vigilance and adherence to road safety protocols, especially along major highways where night-time travel, heavy truck traffic, and limited visibility contribute to heightened risks.

Officials have urged drivers using the Jinja–Malaba Highway to exercise extreme caution, particularly during night hours, to help prevent similar accidents in the future.