At least five people have been confirmed dead and 21 others sustained varying degrees of injury following a tragic road accident along the Kampala-Bombo road on Tuesday evening. The incident, which involved multiple vehicles, occurred near the Bwaise area, one of the most heavily trafficked sections of the road.
According to local authorities, the crash involved a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a lorry. Preliminary investigations suggest that the bus was traveling from Kampala to northern Uganda when it collided with the oncoming lorry that was transporting goods to the capital. The impact of the collision caused significant damage to both vehicles, with several passengers trapped inside the bus for hours before emergency responders arrived.
A combination of poor road conditions, high-speed driving, and possible driver fatigue have been cited as factors contributing to the accident. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the bus swerving into the opposite lane just moments before the collision, a scenario that may have been triggered by a mechanical failure or a sudden maneuver to avoid a smaller vehicle on the road.
Among the 21 injured, some are in critical condition and have been rushed to nearby hospitals, including Mulago National Referral Hospital and Bombo Health Centre IV. Doctors are currently working to stabilize the victims, many of whom suffered broken limbs, head injuries, and lacerations. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims but confirmed that the majority of those affected were commuters, including both local residents and travelers.
Uganda Police Force officers quickly cordoned off the scene, allowing for a thorough investigation. The police have since urged all motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent such avoidable accidents in the future. The authorities have also called for enhanced road safety measures along the Kampala-Bombo corridor, which has been notorious for its high accident rates over the years.
The accident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many local residents expressing concern over the increasing number of road fatalities in the region. Transport authorities have promised to intensify road safety campaigns and ensure better enforcement of traffic regulations.
In the wake of the tragic incident, families of the deceased are being supported, and plans for the repatriation of the bodies are underway. Investigations are expected to continue in the coming days, as authorities seek to determine the full cause of the crash and hold those responsible accountable.
As the country grapples with this devastating loss, the need for improved road infrastructure, safer vehicles, and better driver training remains urgent. The Kampala-Bombo road, a vital transport artery linking the capital to northern Uganda, continues to be a major hotspot for accidents, prompting calls for urgent reforms to prevent further loss of life.
