A deadly road collision in central Uganda's Nakasongola District has resulted in multiple fatalities and critical injuries, casting renewed focus on highway safety concerns. The incident occurred around 8:30 PM on Sunday evening in Kyalweza Village, Wabinyonyi Subcounty, along the heavily traveled Kampala-Gulu arterial route.
According to preliminary reports from the Savannah Regional Police, the crash involved two commercial vehicles: a Toyota Hiace minibus registered as UA 415AV heading toward Gulu, and a Nissan Diesel truck with plate number UBL 615T traveling in the opposite direction. Both white-colored vehicles sustained catastrophic damage during the head-on impact.
Police spokesperson ASP Sam TwiineAmazima stated that initial investigations indicate excessive speed as the likely primary factor. "Evidence suggests the Toyota Hiace swerved out of its lane while traveling at high velocity from the Kampala direction, directly striking the oncoming Nissan vehicle," he explained during a press briefing.
The violent collision proved instantly fatal for five individuals, while six others suffered severe trauma. Emergency responders transported the injured to Nakasongola Health Centre IV and Kiryandongo Hospital for urgent medical intervention. Medical personnel at these facilities are currently working to stabilize the wounded passengers.
Authorities face significant challenges in victim identification, as neither the deceased nor the injured carried verifiable identification documents. Police forensic teams have moved the bodies to Nakasongola Health Centre IV's mortuary for postmortem examinations while investigators attempt to trace next of kin. Both damaged vehicles were impounded at Katuugo Police Park Yard for mechanical inspection.
This tragedy highlights persistent safety issues along the Kampala-Gulu corridor, a critical transport artery that has witnessed numerous fatal incidents in recent years. The 240-kilometer highway connects Uganda's capital to northern regions, experiencing heavy freight and passenger traffic that often exceeds safe speed limits.
Regional traffic police have issued renewed appeals for cautious driving, particularly during night hours when visibility decreases. "We implore all motorists to observe speed limits, maintain vehicles properly, and avoid risky maneuvers," ASP TwiineAmazima emphasized. Authorities have requested public assistance in identifying victims and are urging witnesses to contact local police stations with relevant information.
Road safety advocates note that despite previous campaigns to reduce accidents in the Savannah Region, infrastructure limitations and enforcement challenges continue to contribute to hazardous conditions. The latest incident brings Uganda's annual road death toll to over 1,500 fatalities, according to traffic police statistics.
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