Train–Vehicle Crash on Jinja Road Claims Life of U.S. National

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire

A fatal road traffic crash involving a passenger train and a motor vehicle has occurred at Wankoko Railway Crossing along Spring Road in Kampala, police have confirmed.

The incident happened on Friday, December 19, 2025, at around 5:25 p.m., within the jurisdiction of Jinja Road Police Division.

According to a statement issued by the Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, a passenger train traveling from Kampala towards Mukono collided with a Mitsubishi Pajero, registration number UBF 582X, which was heading towards Kampala from the Luzira side.

Following the impact, the train reportedly pushed the vehicle approximately 200 meters off the road.

The vehicle was carrying four occupants identified as Gardener Mathew, Savana Gardener, and two children. All the occupants are United States nationals working with an NGO known as Baptism Mission in Uganda.

The injured victims were rushed to Rubis Hospital along Lugogo Bypass for medical attention. However, Savana Gardener, who was seated in the co-driver’s seat, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Preliminary police findings suggest that the crash may have resulted from careless driving and failure to observe hand signals issued by a Railway Police officer who was on duty at the crossing at the time of the incident. Police note that these findings are preliminary and subject to change pending completion of investigations.

Railway Police officers visited and documented the scene, and statements are currently being recorded from witnesses as investigations continue.

The Uganda Police Force has conveyed its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and wished a quick recovery to those injured.

Police say further updates will be provided as investigations progress.