Seven dead, 16 injured in Nwoya crash as Police blame recklessness

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At least seven people have died and 16 others injured following a fatal road crash that occurred in the early hours of May 4, 2026, at Lapoka Village in Nwoya district.

According to Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety under the Uganda Police Force, the crash happened at about 1:15am along a local road in the district.

The crash involved a bus, registration number SSD 048H, driven by Abugo Mandela Kadri, and an oncoming trailer, registration number SSD 498C.

“The driver of the bus, who was travelling from Arua, attempted to overtake other vehicles ahead of him and in the process collided head-on with an oncoming trailer,” Kananura said.

He was addressing journalists at Police Force headquarters in Naguru, Kampala city.

Police said several passengers died instantly at the scene, while 16 others were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Three of the injured later succumbed, bringing the death toll to seven.

The bus driver has since been arrested and is currently in Police custody to assist with investigations.

Preliminary findings, supported by eyewitness accounts, indicate that the driver had been driving recklessly throughout the journey.

“Passengers reportedly raised concerns about the driver’s conduct, but these were ignored by the crew,” Kananura noted.

Kananura said the crash adds to a growing number of road crashes linked to dangerous overtaking, especially at night.

“Careless overtaking and speeding account for about 42 per cent of road crashes, according to our annual crime reports,” he said.

He warned that most fatal crashes occur during nighttime when visibility is poor, urging motorists to exercise discipline and patience on the road.

“Drivers should only overtake when it is necessary and when it is safe to do so. Avoid overtaking on blind corners, hills, narrow roads, and in busy areas such as trading centres and near schools,” he said.

Traffic enforcement intensified

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has intensified enforcement operations across the country.

Kananura revealed that between April 27 and May 3, 2026, police arrested 1,237 traffic offenders for various violations.

“These include 492 drivers operating vehicles in dangerous mechanical condition, 173 cases of careless overtaking, and 156 drivers without valid licences,” he said.

Others arrested included motorists driving out of class, motorcyclists riding without helmets, and drivers who ignored traffic directives.

Police have urged members of the public to report reckless drivers through toll-free lines, WhatsApp platforms, and official social media channels.

“We continue to call on the public to report dangerous driving. Many offenders have been penalised following such reports,” Kananura said.