The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has registered a number of road traffic crashes across the country during the past one week. These crashes have claimed lives and left several other people injured.
The crashes involved Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), including commuter taxis and buses, Sino trucks and other motor vehicles. Preliminary findings indicate that the major contributing factors include speeding, careless overtaking and reckless driving.
Among the notable crashes registered are the following:
1. Fatal crash at Kamuwunga Trading Centre, Lwera
On 3 August 2026, at about 11:40pm, a fatal crash occurred at Kamuwunga Trading Centre along the Lwera stretch in Lukaya, involving a commuter taxi and a Sino truck.
The crash claimed 13 lives, including that of the taxi driver, and injured four people, among them the driver of the Sino truck, identified as Kiyega Ibra Mukasa.
Preliminary findings indicate that the Sino truck driver allegedly drifted from his lane while the two vehicles were travelling at high speed, resulting in a head-on collision.
The driver of the Sino truck has since been charged with 16 counts relating to causing death and bodily injuries through reckless driving. While undergoing treatment, he remained under police guard. He has since been discharged and is appearing in court today to answer the charges preferred against him.
2. Fatal crash at Kakira along the Jinja–Iganga Highway
Another fatal crash occurred at Kakira along the Jinja–Iganga Highway at about 10:00pm, when a commuter taxi rammed into a moving truck from behind.
Three people, including the taxi driver, died on the spot, while 10 others sustained injuries. Preliminary findings indicate that excessive speed was a major contributing factor to the crash.
3. Serious crash at Kamengo along the Masaka Highway
At Kamengo along the Masaka Highway, a Global Bus, registration number UAZ 581U, collided with a Sino truck, registration number UBM 256K, at about 4:00am.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus driver, identified as Ssejjuko Patrick, was overtaking other vehicles when he collided with the Sino truck, which was travelling in the opposite direction.
Both drivers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. The bus driver, who is considered the suspected cause of the crash, is under police guard and will be required to answer charges of causing bodily injuries through reckless driving upon his discharge from hospital.
4. Fatal crash at Namulanda along Entebbe Road
The most recent crash occurred on Friday at about 2:00am at Namulanda along Entebbe Road. It involved two motor vehicles, one of which allegedly drifted from its lane and collided with another vehicle carrying employees of Next Media.
Two people died at the scene, while others sustained injuries.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing, and further information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
NIGHT DRIVING REQUIRES EXTRA CAUTION
A common factor in all the crashes highlighted above is that they occurred at night.
Night driving presents additional risks because visibility is significantly reduced, making it more difficult for motorists to detect pedestrians, other vehicles, road obstructions and other hazards in sufficient time to respond appropriately.
Fatigue is also a major concern and remains a silent killer on our roads. A fatigued driver has reduced concentration, slower reaction times and an increased risk of losing control of the vehicle.
We therefore urge motorists to avoid unnecessary night journeys where possible. Where night travel is unavoidable, drivers are advised to:
– Ensure that they are adequately rested before embarking on a journey;
– Maintain safe and appropriate speeds;
– Ensure that headlights, brake lights, indicators and other vehicle lights are properly functioning;
– Exercise maximum caution and remain alert throughout the journey;
– Avoid dangerous and careless overtaking;
– Maintain a safe following distance; and
– Stop and rest whenever they feel tired or drowsy.
Speeding and careless overtaking are particularly dangerous at night because reduced visibility significantly limits the time available for motorists to identify and respond to approaching vehicles and other road hazards.
We appeal to all road users to prioritise safety over speed. Arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
Slow down. Rest when tired. Avoid careless overtaking. Save lives.
