Four killed in Kamuli sugarcane truck crash

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Four people were killed instantly after a truck loaded with sugarcane overturned and collided with a motorcycle in Bulunda village along the Kamuli–Namasagali road.

The fatal crash occurred at around 5:50 pm on April 10, 2026, involving a Fuso Fighter truck, registration number UAM 983F, and a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, registration number UDL 411N.

Samson Lubage, the Busoga North police spokesperson, while speaking to New Vision Online on Saturday, identified the deceased as Grace Mudumba, the motorcycle rider, and Lydia Nanzala, 38, both residents of Naibowa in Butansi sub-county.

Others were Stephen Makayi, 40, and Charles Balinanie, 42, both residents of Busiba cell in Southern division, Kamuli municipality.

Police said all four victims died on the spot after the truck lost control and overturned, spilling its load of sugarcane onto the motorcycle.

According to preliminary investigations, both the truck and the motorcycle were travelling in the same direction from Namasagali towards Kamuli when the crash occurred. Upon reaching Bulunda village, a Sinotruck lorry approached from the opposite direction.

The Fuso truck reportedly fell onto the motorcycle, burying the rider and his passengers under the heavy sugarcane load, leading to their instant death.

“In an attempt to avoid a head-on collision, the driver of the Fuso truck swerved sharply to the right, where he lost control, and the vehicle overturned,” Lubega said.

The driver of the Fuso truck fled the scene immediately after the crash and is currently on the run. Police have launched a manhunt and are appealing to the public to provide any information that could lead to his arrest.

Authorities have since cautioned drivers, particularly those operating heavy goods vehicles, against dangerous evasive manoeuvres such as abrupt swerving.

“Drivers are advised to reduce speed gradually, brake safely and avoid reckless actions, especially on narrow roads,” Lubega warned.

He also advised motorcyclists and their passengers to keep a safe distance from heavy trucks and remain vigilant while on the road, as investigations into the incident are ongoing.

According to the 2025 Annual Crime Report released by the Uganda Police Force, road crashes remain a leading cause of death in the country. Police registered a total of 322,441 cases in 2025 compared to 426,432 in 2024, marking a decrease of 24.4%.