Tragic Crash on Rukungiri-Ntungamo Road Claims Three Lives

A deadly road accident on Saturday night has left the people of Rukungiri in deep sorrow. Around 10:22 PM, a bus and a commuter taxi collided head-on at Omukiragiro Trading Centre in Buyanja Sub-County, Rukungiri District. The crash killed three people on the spot and injured at least 35 others, including soldiers and foreign nationals.

Police say the vehicles involved were a Perfect Bus Company bus, registration number UBN 331G, and a white Toyota Hiace minibus, registration number UBA 341G. The bus was headed to Kampala from Rukungiri, while the taxi was coming from Ntungamo.

The victims include:

• Ronald aka Kakimpa (35), the taxi conductor

• Liberty Bonance (3), a Congolese boy

• An unidentified female passenger in the taxi

All the injured were rushed to Nyakibale Hospital and other nearby health centers. The bus driver is missing and being searched by police.

Eyewitnesses claim the taxi had no headlights, while police suspect the bus veered off its lane, causing the head-on collision. After the crash, the bus reportedly flipped onto its side in the middle of the road, while the taxi was spun around.

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Among the Injured:

• Several Ugandan soldiers, including Sgt. Musinguzi Bright, CPL Kwesigwa Edgar, and Pte. Okello Francis

• Congolese national Claude Pacific

• Senior citizens and local passengers like Bernard Nyabanawe (62), James Barisimwaki (44), and Baryakira Frank (63)

• Other civilians including Jackline Amumpire, Florence Kiconco, Oliver Komushana, Oscar Tayebwa, and Muzenero Charles

Police spokesperson Elly Maate confirmed that the bodies were taken to Rwakabengo Health Centre III for postmortem, and the wrecked vehicles were taken to the station for inspection. Preliminary findings blame reckless driving by the bus driver.

This tragic incident has sparked new calls for road safety. The Rukungiri-Ntungamo Road is known for its dangerous curves and poor lighting. Many locals are demanding better road conditions, clear signs, and strict enforcement of traffic laws.

In 2022 alone, over 2,000 people died in road crashes across Uganda. Most accidents are caused by speeding, bad roads, lack of lights, and poor enforcement.

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has been working on improvements, such as installing road signs and speed bumps, but locals say it's not enough.

As the injured fight to recover, the community is left mourning the lives lost. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder that road safety must be a top priority to protect innocent lives.