19 traders die, over 13 severely injured in Hoima-Buliisa Fuso lorry crash
"The crash involved a motor vehicle reg. number UBB 639W, a Fuso Fighter truck, which was transporting market vendors from Wanseko-Buliisa Market," Kananura says in a statement issued today, August 6.
Police Traffic and Road Safety Directorate spokesperson Michael Kananura says Police in the Albertine Region are investigating a single road crash that occurred on the night of August 5, 2025, at about 11:00pm at Kigorobya along the Hoima-Bulisa Road. (File photo)
By Simon Masaba and Wilson Asiimwe
Journalists @New Vision
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A total of 19 people have died on the spot and 13 others injured following a devastating road crash involving a Fuso lorry near Hillside Secondary School in Kigorobya, Hoima district.
Police Traffic and Road Safety Directorate spokesperson Michael Kananura says Police in the Albertine Region are investigating a single road crash that occurred on the night of August 5, 2025, at about 11:00pm at Kigorobya along the Hoima-Bulisa Road.
"The crash involved a motor vehicle reg. number UBB 639W, a Fuso Fighter truck, which was transporting market vendors from Wanseko-Buliisa Market," Kananura says in a statement issued today, August 6.
Police say preliminary investigations reveal that the vehicle, while ascending a slight hill at Kigorobya, failed to climb & subsequently rolled backwards before overturning. "As a result, 19 people died on the spot & 13 others sustained injuries of varying severity".
According to Kigorobya town council LC3 chairperson Gerald Crystal Tulinde, the lorry was transporting traders who were returning from the Buliisa Auction Market when the tragedy occurred.
“The vehicle failed to climb a steep stretch and went off the road before overturning,” Tulinde said on Tuesday afternoon.
“We have lost 20 people. Many others are injured and receiving medical attention.”
Tulinde described the incident as one of the worst accidents the area has witnessed in recent years and urged residents of Hoima, Buliisa, and surrounding communities to check on their loved ones.
People gathered at the Hoima City mortuary trying to identify some of the dead bodies on Wednesday morning. (Photo by Wilson Asiimwe)
“These were traders—mothers, fathers, breadwinners—returning home from a day of hard work. We are asking families who have relatives who usually travel to Buliisa Market to urgently verify their whereabouts,” he said.
No official list of the victims has been released yet, and authorities are still working to piece together the full picture of what led to the crash. However, preliminary accounts point to mechanical failure or overloading as possible contributing factors, according to sources.
Joyce Kansiime, a trader dealing in used clothes in Hoima town, said the victims had spent the entire day at Buliisa market.
"They are our colleagues who left on Tuesday morning for the market but we cannot tell who has died and who has survived until we go to the hospital and the mortuary," she said.
Preliminary police report indicates that a total of 32 casualties were involved, and 19 died on the spot, while 13 were severely injured.
"The injured victims have been rushed to various health facilities for urgent medical attention. The bodies of the deceased have been conveyed to Hoima City Mortuary for postmortem examinations as investigations into the exact cause of the crash continue," Kananura says.
Road crashes
According to the latest Police crime report, reckless driving was a major contributor to the 20,394 road crashes recorded in 2024. Out of these, 4,806 were fatal.
As part of ongoing efforts to reduce road accidents, the Traffic Police continue to conduct a nationwide crackdowns on reckless driving.
A fortnight ago, 467 drivers were arrested for various offences, including driving without a valid license, careless driving, speeding, and dangerous loading.
In addition, 903 motorcycles were impounded for violating traffic laws, including failing to wear helmets, riding without a valid license, and riding without insurance policies.
Micheal Kananura, the traffic Police spokesperson reiterated the importance of adhering to traffic rules, especially for motorcyclists, who remain among the most vulnerable road users.
He also urged motorists to maintain their vehicles, drive defensively, and respect speed limits to reduce road fatalities.
In line with its road safety efforts, the Traffic Police recently held a sensitisation campaign in Wamala Region, reaching 5,524 students and staff in eight schools.
This campaign focused on raising awareness about road safety, particularly for pedestrians and children, who remain at high risk. According to recent statistics, 1,666 pedestrians lost their lives in road crashes in 2024, with 702 being children under the age of 18.
Kananura called on motorists to reduce speed near schools and residential areas, stay vigilant for pedestrians, and use child restraints in vehicles.
He also encouraged parents and teachers to educate children on essential road safety practices.
“We all have a responsibility to keep our children safe. Together, we can reduce the number of fatalities and create a safer future for Uganda’s young people,” Kananura said.
The police continue to urge the public to report traffic violations via the toll-free number 080199099 or WhatsApp 0779 999 999.