A tour van previously flagged by police for dangerous and unlawful behavior crashed on Sunday evening in Mpigi District, killing one person and injuring six others — just hours after police had issued a public alert over its reckless conduct.
The accident occurred at approximately 5:45 pm near Lwafumu Forest along the Bunjako–Buwama road, according to Traffic and Road Safety Directorate spokesperson Michael Kananura.
The van, a Toyota Drone with registration number UBM 672G, was reportedly speeding and transporting partygoers in highly unsafe positions when it lost control, hit a pavement, and overturned.
“One person has died and six others are injured,” Kananura confirmed Monday morning, adding that the driver fled the scene and is currently being sought by police.
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Ironically, the crash occurred shortly after police had publicly warned about the same vehicle. Earlier on Sunday, Kananura had posted a video on social media showing revelers dangerously riding on top of the van, criticizing the group for their blatant disregard for safety and police instructions.
“Do we really have to remind you that your life is at risk?” he asked in the post.
According to authorities, the vehicle had earlier been stopped at Lungala along the Kampala–Masaka highway alongside three others — UBG 649K, UBM 631E, and UAR 351Z — for various violations, including lack of a valid operating license, reckless driving, unsafe transport of passengers, and obscured license plates.
While drivers of the other vehicles were detained at Mpigi Police Station, the driver of UBM 672G defied the stop order and continued driving.
“Thanks to vigilant citizens who shared videos and tip-offs, the vehicles have been impounded and those involved charged,” Kananura said.
By Monday morning, the implications of ignoring police warnings had turned deadly.
“The driver was speeding and putting lives at risk,” Kananura reiterated. “What may seem like an inconvenience — such as a traffic stop — could in fact be a crucial life-saving intervention.”
He issued a strong warning to all motorists, particularly during the festive season, emphasizing that public safety must take priority.
“Let’s work together to prevent these avoidable tragedies,” he urged.
Police investigations are ongoing, and efforts to locate the van’s driver continue. The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities, though their conditions remain unknown.
This incident has once again drawn attention to Uganda’s persistent road safety challenges, especially during weekends and holidays when celebratory vehicles and speeding often end in catastrophe.
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