Three dead, several injured in fatal Rukungiri–Ntungamo road collision

13 April 2025, 11:08

By Uziah Tusaasire

Three people have died and 19 others sustained injuries following a fatal road accident along the Rukungiri–Ntungamo highway.

According to the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, Elly Maate, the accident occurred at around 10:20 PM on 12 April 2025 at Omukabingo cell, Buyanja sub county. It involved an Isuzu bus, registration number UBN 331G, belonging to Perfect Coach Company, and a Toyota Hiace (PSV) taxi, registration number UBA 341G.

The deceased have been identified as Liberty Bonance, a 3-year-old child of Congolese origin; Ronald, alias Kakimpa, 35, a taxi conductor; and a third, yet-to-be-identified male victim.

Maate reported that the bus was travelling from Rukungiri town towards Ntungamo when it allegedly veered out of its lane and collided head-on with the oncoming taxi. Following the impact, the bus overturned onto the driver’s side in the middle of the road, while the taxi was spun around to face the opposite direction.

Among the injured are several civilians and personnel from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF):

Capt. Musinguzi Bright, S/SGT Edgar Kwesigwa (RA/141725), L/CPL Alex Tukwasibwe (RA/161230), PTE Okello Francis (RA/213765), Pacific Claude, a Congolese national, Blair Abenomugisha, Bernard Nyabanawe (62), Annah Tumwebaze, James Barisimwaki, Jackline Amumpire, Florence Kiconco, Oliver Komushana, Kakuru Hassan, and Oscar Tayebwa, among others.

All the injured were rushed to Nyakibale Hospital for emergency medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Rwakabengo Health Centre III mortuary for post-mortem examination.

Maate confirmed that the driver of the bus fled the scene and is currently on the run. Police have impounded both vehicles, which are now parked at Rukungiri Police Station, pending inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles (IOV).

Preliminary investigations indicate that reckless driving by the bus driver was the likely cause of the crash. Police are continuing with their inquiries and have urged all motorists to exercise utmost caution while on the road.