Two dead, 13 injured as bus rams into trailer along Masaka-Mbarara highway

Two people have died, and 13 others are nursing injuries following a double motor crash involving a bus belonging to Jaguar Bus Company and a trailer along the Masaka-Mbarara Highway.

The crash occurred at around 3:45 am on Thursday at Katuba Village, about one kilometre from Mbirizi Town, Lwengo District, when the bus from Kampala heading to Western Uganda crashed into the trailer from Mbarara to Kampala.

Eyewitnesses say some passengers aboard the bus were travelling to Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and others were heading to Rwanda.

Mr Hassan Mbazira, an eyewitness, told this Publication that the crash occurred at around 3:45 am, and first responders resorted to looting instead of helping the survivors in the bus.

‘’Police delayed getting to the crash scene, and some heartless residents took advantage to steal whatever they landed on instead of helping the survivors.’’ Mr Mbazira said on Thursday morning.

Southern Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr Twaha Kasirye, said the yet-to-be-identified victims were females who were travelling aboard the bus.

“Thirteen other passengers who got injured in the crash have been rushed to several health facilities for treatment. Nine of the injured persons are males and four females.’’ He said.

Mr Kasirye has, however, warned motorists against speeding during night hours, saying that they risk getting involved in crashes.

‘’Speeding remains one of the major risk factors for motor crashes, but it's even more dangerous when it is raining or at night. Motorists and other road users should be cautious while using the roads during night hours to avoid losing their lives.’’

Mr Kasirye said the wreckages of both vehicles have been towed to Mbirizi Police Station as the investigation into the cause of the crash goes on.

2025 police report reveals surge in road crashes across the country. Road traffic deaths in Uganda rose to 5,383 in 2025, averaging 15 fatalities per day, according to new police statistics released by the Traffic Police Directorate.