Horror on Mabira Highway: 2 Women Die as Harrier Overturned

Tragedy struck the Mabira highway last night when a Toyota Harrier was hit from behind, overturned into water, and left two women dead while three others, including the driver, sustained serious injuries.

According to Sp Butoto Hellen, spokesperson for Ssezibwa Region, the accident occurred at approximately 9:10 PM at Buwola, along the Jinja-Kampala highway. The vehicles involved were a white Toyota Harrier, Reg. UBE827M, driven by Isabirye Absolom, 43, from Entebbe, and a white Isuzu ELF, Reg. UBQ353D, whose driver reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash.

Police say both vehicles were traveling from Jinja towards Kampala when the Isuzu ELF allegedly rammed the Harrier from behind, pushing it into the water. The Harrier overturned on impact, causing fatal injuries to two female passengers.

The deceased were identified as: Mutesi Hadijah, resident of Gayaza, Wakiso District and Kyokusima Annet, resident of Lubowa, Wakiso District

Three other victims survived but sustained injuries and were rushed to Kawolo Hospital using ambulance UP5772. The injured include: Nabakooza Sumaya, 34, from Namungona Kampala, Annet Nakyega, from Makindye, Kampala and Isabirye Absolom, the driver of the Harrier.

Investigators said the driver of the Isuzu ELF took off after the crash, leaving authorities scrambling to locate the suspect. Both vehicles were towed to Mabira Police Station, where they will undergo inspection as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Sp Butoto confirmed that postmortem examinations were being conducted at Kawolo Hospital and that investigations were ongoing. Authorities are appealing to witnesses and anyone with information to report to the nearest police station to help trace the fleeing driver.

She has called on road users to exercise caution on the highway, particularly at night, as traffic volumes remain high along this busy route.

“We are committed to ensuring the culprit is brought to justice,” said Sp Butoto.