Five people lost their lives on the spot, while four others were critically injured and rushed to Bugiri Hospital following a collision between a taxi and a trailer at Igongero Swamp, about 5km from Bugiri along the Bugiri-Iganga highway, early this morning.
The injured suffered severe limb fractures and deep lacerations caused by shattered glass and metal debris.
According to eyewitness Jamada Isabirye, the trailer (registration UBB 838H) tried to overtake another trailer heading toward Iganga from Bugiri. However, when the driver noticed an oncoming vehicle, he abruptly abandoned the overtaking attempt. The taxi (registration UBR 385J), which was speeding and following closely behind, crashed into the trailer.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
Isabirye blamed the accident on the trailer driver’s decision to overtake at a blind spot.
One of the victims was identified as Musa Kawuuma. At the time of reporting, the deceased’s bodies had already been claimed by relatives for burial.
The four survivors are in critical condition at Bugiri Main Hospital. Dr. Anthony Wamusyuwu, the hospital’s medical superintendent, said they are on oxygen support in the ICU, and plans are underway to transfer them to Jinja or Mbale referral hospitals due to the hospital’s limited capacity.
One survivor, Isma Masaba, a fish trader from Busia, recounted that he had been dozing in the taxi’s back seat when he was jolted awake by the impact. He described seeing a woman next to him with a severe head wound, bleeding from her nose. Despite sustaining multiple fractures and a deep forehead cut, Masaba managed to break a window with his hand and crawl to safety.
Busowa Town Council LC3 Chairman Badru Naminya appealed to the government to install speed humps at the accident-prone spot, citing three previous accidents in the past two months that have already claimed 15 lives.
Busoga East police spokesperson Michael Kafayo warned motorists against reckless overtaking, especially in blind spots. He confirmed that police are searching for the taxi driver, who fled the scene, to face charges of causing death through reckless driving.
Both vehicles involved in the crash were towed to Bugiri Central Police Station for investigation.
Also Read: Amama Mbabazi’s Daughter Wanted Over Unpaid Shs 450m Loan
