Five people, including two children, died instantly while five others were seriously injured in a road accident on Thursday evening near Tirinyi Police Station along the Iganga–Mbale highway in Kibuku District.
The collision occurred around 5 p.m. and involved a silver Toyota Hiace (UBN 750D) and a stationary blue Fuso Fighter truck (UBG 441P) that was being loaded with papyrus. The truck, driven by 45-year-old David Kidudugu from Wailaka Village in Jinja City, was parked on the roadside facing Mbale when the Hiace, traveling from Iganga, crashed into it from behind.
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According to Wilfred Kyempasa, spokesperson for the Bukedi North regional police, two adult men, one adult woman, and two young girls, all passengers in the Hiace, died at the scene. The injured were taken to various health facilities across Kibuku and neighboring districts, while the identities of all victims were still being confirmed at the time of the report.
Initial investigations suggest that the Hiace driver was speeding and failed to notice the parked truck, leading to the fatal crash. Tirinyi Police Station Officer-in-Charge ASP Kajera Zadock led the response team at the scene, and both vehicles were impounded for inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles.
The deceased were transported to Mbale City Mortuary for autopsies, while the injured continue to receive medical care.
The Iganga–Mbale highway, particularly the Tirinyi section, has developed a reputation as a high-risk zone for accidents. Authorities continue to urge road users to observe traffic laws and drive cautiously.
Recent data underscores the growing concern: the 2024 Police Annual Crime Report shows a 6.4% increase in road accidents from the previous year, with total crashes rising from 23,608 to 25,107. Fatalities rose to 4,434, while serious injuries increased to 13,134.
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