ROAD CARNAGE! 8 Mobile Market Vendors Killed, 7 Critically Injured in Buhweju

Police in the Greater Bushenyi Region are investigating circumstances surrounding a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of eight people and left seven others critically injured in Buhweju District.

The accident occurred on December 20, 2025, at about 10:45pm in Kisaana Village along the Nsiika–Bukiro–Mbarara Road, after a Fuso lorry registration number UBA 649Z lost control and overturned.

According to SP Apollo Tayebwa, the Greater Bushenyi Regional Police Public Relations Officer, the lorry was traveling towards Rubindi when the driver reportedly lost control while descending a slope. Brake failure is suspected to have caused the crash. The driver fled the scene and is currently on the run.

“The driver is yet to be identified, and efforts are ongoing to have him arrested,” SP Tayebwa said.

The bodies of the deceased were transported to Nsiika Health Centre IV Mortuary for postmortem examinations, as required by law.

Some of the deceased have been identified as: Musinguzi Justus (male), Turyagyenda Jackson (male) Kekimuli (female) and Kemigisha (female).

All were residents of Rubindi, Kashari North County, Mbarara District.

Police also confirmed that seven survivors sustained critical injuries and were rushed to Nsiika Health Centre IV for medical attention. The injured include: Joab Babanza, 45 (male), Valentino, Turyasingura, 26 (male), Amon Akampurira, 31 (male), Jovanis Kyarikunda, 49 (female), Yasin Kayongo, 24 (male), and Joan Katushabe, 42 (female). One other victim yet to be identified.

Preliminary investigations indicate that all the victims were mobile market vendors.

“We appeal to anyone with information that could help police trace the driver to share it confidentially. We also extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and urge all road users to strictly observe traffic rules. Life has no spare parts,” SP Tayebwa emphasized.

Meanwhile, residents of Buhweju District have blamed the tragedy on the poor and impassable road network in the area. They argue that the district has some of the worst road conditions in Uganda and warn that more accidents may occur if leaders fail to urgently intervene.