By Jamillah Kemigisa
Grief and shock engulf Fins Medical University following a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of five individuals, including both university staff and students, in a horrific Friday night crash in Mugusu Town Council along the Fort Portal–Kasese highway.
According to Police Spokesperson for Rwenzori West, ASP Vincent Twesigye, the tragic collision occurred on June 21, 2025, at approximately 10:50 PM at Kibede. The accident involved a Skies Bus Company Isuzu bus (registration number UBQ 993G) heading from Fort Portal City to Kasese, and a Toyota Hiace van (registration number UAQ 436Q) owned by Fins Medical University, which was en route from Kasese back to Fort Portal.
Preliminary investigations suggest that both vehicles failed to properly navigate past each other, resulting in a violent side-swipe. The university van lost control, overturned multiple times, and came to a halt in the middle of the highway, leaving a trail of wreckage and devastation.
In a somber statement issued by Patrick Ruhweza, Secretary of Fins Medical University, the five individuals who lost their lives were identified as:
- Muhumuza Gerald – A professional nurse and staff member at Fins Medical University
- Kato James – Support staff at Fins Medical University and a third-year student at Mountains of the Moon University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality Management
- Tusiime Meddy – Driver of the university van
- Amanya Pauso – Certificate student nurse
- Koshaba Trust – Certificate student nurse
The group was returning from a medical outreach camp at Busiita playground in Bunyangabu District, held in conjunction with a political rally for Victor Kalenzi, a parliamentary aspirant for the Bunyangabu District constituency.
Several other university staff members sustained serious injuries in the crash and are currently admitted to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. Though the extent of their injuries remains unclear, authorities confirmed that they are under intensive medical supervision.
Emergency response teams, including the District Police Commander (DPC) North Division and the Officer in Charge (OC) Traffic, were swiftly dispatched to the scene. Four bodies were recovered at the site, while the fifth victim succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Both vehicles involved have since been towed as investigations continue into the exact cause of the accident.
Police have yet to confirm the identity and condition of the Skies Bus driver, and it remains unclear how many individuals on board the bus were injured or survived.
The incident has plunged Fins Medical University into mourning. On campus, a somber atmosphere prevails as students, faculty, and administrative staff come to terms with the sudden loss of their colleagues, friends, and mentors. Grief counseling sessions are reportedly being arranged for affected members of the university community.
Authorities are urging road users to exercise heightened caution on highways, particularly during nighttime travel, to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
