Story by Obed Kankiriho
Eleven people were critically injured in a road traffic accident involving a Gateway Bus Company vehicle on Sunday morning in Rukiga District.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:10 AM at Rwabahazi Cell in Muhanga Town Council, along the Ntungamo–Kabale Highway.
The involved vehicle, a SCANIA bus with registration number UBM 707X, was en route from Kampala to Kabale District when the crash occurred.
According to preliminary police reports, the driver lost control of the bus and struck a female pedestrian who was walking along the roadside toward Rwahi in Ntungamo District.
The bus then veered off the road, overturned into a water trench, and left several passengers severely injured.
The injured victims have been identified as:
Rwakinda Dafroza Tumushabe (77), resident of Nyakabungo Cell, Muhanga Town Council, Rukiga District
Balabye Karim (54), the driver, resident of Bugembe, Jinja District
Kyomuhangi Assumpta (40), businesswoman, resident of Nansana, Wakiso District
Nowamani Ronnie (18), student, resident of Nansana, Wakiso District
Nowamani Blaire (14), resident of Kabale District
Nowembabazi Brandon (11), resident of Kabale District
Busingye Patience (49), resident of Kampala
Kicoco Benson (55), resident of Kampala
Assimwe Pauson (40), resident of Rubanda District
Basisha Richard (34), a Rwandan national
Ninsima Tracey (21), resident of Muhanga Town Council
Kigezi Region Police spokesperson Elly Maate confirmed the incident and noted that the District Traffic Officer (DTO) of Rukiga, along with a team of investigators, visited the scene, documented evidence, and prepared a sketch plan of the crash site.
“All injured victims were initially rushed to Rotom Health Centre for emergency treatment. Those in critical condition were later referred to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for specialized care,” Maate stated.
He added that eyewitness statements have been recorded, and the wrecked bus has been towed to Rukiga Central Police Station for safe custody as it awaits inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles (IOV).
Police have urged road users, especially public transport operators, to exercise extreme caution and adhere to road safety regulations to prevent such tragic incidents.
