Rukungiri mourns five killed in Ishaka-Kagamba crash
The victims died in the incident at Omukatagu village, Kyamugabo parish, Ibaare subcounty, on September 7, 2026, when a Toyota Hiace taxi, registration number UA 836 AM, commonly known as a Drone, was transporting mourners from Kashaka in Mbarara district to Rwerere town council in Rukungiri.
Three victims died at the scene, while two others later died at Kampala International University (KIU) Teaching Hospital Ishaka after being admitted in critical condition. (Credit: Bruno Mugizi)
RUKUNGIRI - A sombre mood engulfed Rwerere Church of Uganda, Rwerere Town Council, Rukungiri district as mourners received the bodies of five people killed in a road crash on Ishaka-Kagamba Road in Bushenyi district.
The victims died in the incident at Omukatagu village, Kyamugabo parish, Ibaare subcounty, on September 7, 2026, when a Toyota Hiace taxi, registration number UA 836 AM, commonly known as a Drone, was transporting mourners from Kashaka in Mbarara district to Rwerere Town Council in Rukungiri.
Speed blamed for crash
Traffic police spokesperson Michael Kananura said preliminary findings indicate that speeding contributed to the crash.
“Excessive speed reduces a driver's ability to react and safely negotiate bends,” Kananura said, urging motorists to reduce speed when approaching corners and other high-risk sections of the road.
Eyewitnesses said the driver fled the scene immediately after the crash.
Three victims died at the scene, while two others later died at Kampala International University (KIU) Teaching Hospital Ishaka after being admitted in critical condition.
The other injured victims were rushed to KIU Teaching Hospital Ishaka and Kitagata Hospital for treatment. The bodies were taken to Kitagata Hospital mortuary for postmortem.
Families mourn victims
During the requiem service at Rwerere Church of Uganda, the Archdeacon of Nyakagyeme, Venerable Ronald Natuhwera, condoled with the bereaved families and urged them to seek strength from the Lord.
He also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured victims.
Mukulu described his father as a hardworking man and a strong supporter of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).
The deceased were identified as Absolom Ategyeka, the headteacher of Nyakagyeme Primary School; Eric Mukuru; Ndyaguma Ivan; Turyahikayo Justus; and Julius Gooma.
The deceased will be buried on Wednesday, September 9, in their respective ancestral homes.
Muhwezi sends condolences
Security minister and Rujumbura County MP Jim Muhwezi extended his condolences to the families of the deceased in Rwerere Town Council in a post on his X account.
“I extend my condolences to the bereaved families. May God grant the deceased eternal peace and give strength and comfort to their families during this difficult time,” Muhwezi said.