A serious road accident occurred at the Rukungiri Roundabout along the Rukungiri-Ntungamo Road on [date], injuring two individuals and resulting in one fatality, officials confirmed. The incident involved a Mitsubishi Fuso truck, registered as UBD 849Z, driven by Amos Katunguka, which reportedly lost control while approaching the roundabout in Kifunjo Cell, Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality. The vehicle skidded, overturned multiple times, and collided with six stationary Bajaj Boxer motorcycles and a female pedestrian, according to Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime. The crash occurred at approximately 9:20 a.m., with preliminary investigations suggesting the driver may have been driving recklessly.
The collision claimed the life of Fortunate Byekola, a 30-year-old employee of Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) Rukungiri branch, while an unidentified male boda boda rider sustained critical injuries and was admitted to Nyakibale Hospital. The motorcycles involved in the crash were identified by their registration numbers: UFE 382A, UGE 080B, UGA 060D, UEY 590D, and UEE 519K, all of which are Bajaj Boxer models predominantly colored red. Tumushime emphasized that traffic police are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
Rukungiri District Police have reiterated warnings to motorists to adhere to traffic regulations and the Highway Code to prevent similar incidents. The crash has intensified discussions about road safety in the region, particularly concerning the increasing number of commercial vehicles and the need for stricter enforcement of driving standards. Local leaders have also highlighted the broader challenges of road infrastructure and public awareness campaigns to reduce fatalities on rural highways.
The incident underscores the ongoing concerns about road safety in Rukungiri, where accidents involving heavy vehicles and informal transport systems like boda boda motorcycles remain a persistent issue. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as they prepare to release further findings from the investigation. Meanwhile, community members have called for improved emergency response protocols and better maintenance of key transport corridors to prevent future tragedies.