One killed as truck, taxi collide on Mbarara–Bushenyi highway
Eyewitnesses said the heavy truck did not stop at the scene and continued towards Bushenyi. Police had, by press time, not yet issued an official statement or confirmed the exact number of casualties.
The taxi which was involved in Mbarara-Bushenyi road after collision. (Photos by Bruno Mugizi)
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One person has been confirmed dead following a road crash that occurred on Sunday, May 3, 2026, on the Mbarara–Bushenyi highway in Bushenyi district.
The incident, which occurred at Kantojo in Rwentuha town council, a crash-prone spot along the highway, involved a heavy truck and a passenger taxi, registration number UBE 047S.
Eyewitnesses said the heavy truck did not stop at the scene and continued towards Bushenyi. Police had, by press time, not yet issued an official statement or confirmed the exact number of casualties.
Samuel Ahereza, a survivor who was travelling in a vehicle behind the taxi, said the crash happened suddenly.
“We seriously survived. We saw the trailer have a minor collision with the taxi, causing it to lose control and get off the road. Our driver also lost control, but fortunately, only sustained injuries while the rest of us, including children, are safe,” he said.
The latest incident adds to a series of crashes reported at the same location, raising concern among residents over what they describe as a persistent black spot along the highway.
Just two months ago, the same spot recorded another fatal crash that claimed three lives and left several others injured after a Tausi bus, registration number UA 707AK, collided with a Toyota Noah, registration number UA 196AY.
That earlier accident, which occurred at about 4:50 pm along the Mbarara–Ishaka highway, was reportedly triggered by reckless driving.
Eyewitnesses said the Toyota Noah lost control after a minor collision, leading to a chain reaction that caused multiple injuries.
The aftermath of that crash exposed gaps in emergency response along the highway, with victims rushed to nearby health facilities that were already overwhelmed.
John Nasasira, one of the first responders, said the absence of an ambulance worsened the situation.
“If we had a nearby ambulance, it could have solved the problem by taking patients for treatment on time,” he said.
Residents say the Kantojo corner remains dangerous, especially during rainy conditions, and continues to claim lives.
Ronald Gumisiriza, an eyewitness, said this was the second major accident at the same spot within a short period.
“This is the second major accident at the same spot in just one month. The road is in a poor state, and drivers move at high speeds. We need speed humps here,” he said.
Ismail Basasira also called for urgent government intervention, saying the road lacks warning signs despite being a high-risk area.
“The road is in critical condition, and it’s a corner, yet there isn’t even a signpost to warn drivers that there is a school nearby and people are dying daily,” he said.
Residents also referred to a recent incident in Kabwohe town along the same highway, where seven pedestrians were reportedly killed while returning from overnight prayers, further heightening concern over road safety along the Mbarara–Bushenyi highway.