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A second person has passed on from the hospital following Monday's, February 26, 2024, crash at Lugalambo village in Najjembe division in Buikwe district on the Jinja-Kampala highway. 

New Vision Online has also learned that eight people are still receiving treatment after being involved in the same road crash.

The development follows a crash that involved two lorries: A Fuso truck registration number UBM519B collided with another truck registration number UBK223N, which was coming from Kampala heading to Jinja.

The livestock (cattle, goats, and sheep)-laden Fuso was reportedly heading to Kampala from Teso. The same truck was also carrying people, most of whom were injured in the crash.

Stopped by Police in vain

Ssezibwa Police region spokesperson Helen Butoto said the driver of the Fuso which was loaded with cattle was first stopped by Traffic Police Officers at the Njeru checkpoint but he declined to stop.

While addressing the media, Butoto explained that two people have so far passed on: The first died on the spot (Muzafar Ssempijja a resident of Wakiso), while the second one, Mukasa Sululu, 31, also died from Mulago Hospital where he had been referred to from Jinja Hospital.

The victims were rescued and rushed to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital and Kawolo General Hospital. However, some were referred to Mulago Hospital since they were unconscious.

Crash victims

The victims include Eric Waiswa, 24; Asuman Kamugisha, 31; Segawa Moses, 40; Sonko Abbey; Innocent Agaba,17; Semuduwa Joshua,19 and another unidentified male.

Butoto said they have now issued new measures on cargo vehicles which also ferry people and the drivers will be answerable and charged.

“Loading animals and luggage with people is illegal and if found the culprits will be arrested and charged,” Butoto said.

Livestock looted

Butoto also condemned the looting of the animals and explained that Police only registered five cows at the scene.

She added that the cause of the crash was speeding and reckless driving as it happened as the Fuso driver tried to dodge a pothole at a high speed. She added that the Namataba to Nile section is full of potholes and the Police already wrote to UNRA and the work ministry to intervene and work on the potholes. However, according to Butoto, they have not responded.

Road users decried the potholes on the highway saying that they are many and others are deep and huge and asked the Government to find means of repairing the potholes and expanding the road.

All the wreckage was towed to the Njeru Division Police headquarters.