18 escape death in Kisoro bus accident

27 May 2025, 17:32

By Uziah Tusaasire

Eighteen people have narrowly escaped death when a Gateway bus, registration number UBK 804Y, was involved in an accident at Chanakye Red Corner in Kanaba subcounty, Kisoro district, along the Kisoro-Kabale road.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:50 AM on May 27, 2025. Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, confirmed that the bus was driven by Julius Owoyesigire, 40, a resident of Nyabihoko in Ntungamo district.

According to Maate, 15 passengers sustained minor injuries, while three others suffered serious injuries. The injured were promptly transported to Kisoro Hospital for treatment.

Among the victims were

       Francis Byarugaba, 46, of Mutorelr, Kisoro District

• Ketra Muhawenimana, 19, of Bunagana, Kisoro
• Martin Ntezimana, 42, of Bunagana, Kisoro
• Susan Bonabana, 39, of Kasambya, Mubende District
• Prossy Nakimuri, 38, of Kasambya, Mubende District
• Samuel Nteziyaremye, 40, of Bunagana, Kisoro
• Florence Nakawesa, 27, of Entebbe
• Gladith Tushemerirwe, 48, of Kanungu
• Promise Ntakiyinanira, 21, of Nyarusiza, Kisoro
• Ezira Byukusenge, 23, of Muramba, Kisoro
• Debrah Barikamanya, 35, of Kisoro Town
• Faith Kwagara, 9
• Charles Higa, 45, of Kampala
• Janet Mujawimana, 25, of Kanaba, Kisoro District
• Joseph Kwesiga, 25, of Gayaza, Kampala
• Ivan Twisenge, 24, of Nyakabande Sub-County, Kisoro
• Bibian Athieno, 29, of Tororo
• An 8-month-old child

Preliminary investigations suggest that brake failure and excessive speed contributed to the accident. The driver reportedly failed to negotiate the sharp corner at Chanakye Red Corner, causing the bus to overturn sideways.

Maate urges motorists to exercise caution, especially when approaching sharp bends, to prevent such incidents.