By Jamillah Kemigisa
A serious road accident late Monday night in Katwe-Kabatoro Division, Kasese District, has left several people injured after a speeding taxi crashed into a stationary truck.
The accident involved a white Toyota Hiace (commonly known as a “Drone”), registration number UA 825AN, which was traveling from Mbarara. The taxi, carrying four passengers and a deceased body, collided with a parked Fuso Fighter truck, registration number UBP 428U, in the Katwe area.
The impact was devastating, and although the precise number of injured persons has not yet been confirmed by police, several sustained serious injuries. Responding swiftly, traffic officers from Kikorongo Police Station cordoned off the scene and towed both vehicles pending a comprehensive inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles (IOV).
SP Nelson Tumushime, Police Spokesperson for the Rwenzori East Region, confirmed the incident and cautioned motorists against reckless driving.
“Drivers are hereby urged to always heed traffic rules and regulations. Those who act with negligence will be arrested and arraigned in courts of law,” he stated.
This incident is the latest in a string of road accidents plaguing the Kasese region. Recent reports indicate that at least five people have died and seven others injured in separate road crashes, pointing to a growing public safety concern.
Local leaders have attributed many of these accidents to the deteriorating state of roads. In response, officials from Katwe-Kabatoro Town Council have renewed calls for the government to fulfill its long-standing pledge to tarmac the 38-kilometer Rwantare–Katojo road.
“The poor condition of our roads not only causes accidents but also undermines tourism and local development,” one official noted.
As police investigations continue, authorities are urging all road users to prioritize safety, follow traffic regulations, and avoid excessive speeding, especially in high-risk areas like Katwe, which lies along key transportation and tourism routes near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The Uganda Police Force continues to emphasize public awareness and enforcement as critical tools in reducing the country’s high rate of road traffic incidents.
