At least 19 people have been confirmed dead following a tragic road crash on Tuesday night along the Hoima-Buliisa road in Kigorobya Town Council, Hoima District.
The accident occurred at around 11:00 PM at Nyabago cell, near Hillside Secondary School. It involved a Fuso lorry, registration number UBB 639W, which was carrying over 50 market vendors returning to Hoima City from the Wanseko market in Buliisa District.
According to SP Rusoke Kananura, spokesperson for the Uganda Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the truck reportedly suffered mechanical failure while ascending a hill. It rolled backward and overturned, killing 18 people on the spot. One more person died later in hospital, and at least 13 others remain in critical condition.
“The truck failed to climb a hill, rolled back, and overturned. As a result, 19 people died and many others were seriously injured. The injured were rushed to various medical facilities for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Hoima City Mortuary,” SP Kananura said.
He also issued a stern warning to truck drivers against carrying passengers in cargo vehicles, emphasizing that such vehicles are not designed for human transport.
“We strongly urge truck drivers and transporters to stop carrying passengers at the back of trucks. These vehicles are not meant for carrying people. Drivers must also exercise caution, especially in hilly and hazardous areas,” he added.
Grieving relatives gathered at Hoima City Mortuary on Wednesday morning to identify their loved ones. Police say the identities of the deceased are yet to be officially released.
:Voices from scene
Survivors described the truck as overloaded, with many of the victims being market vendors returning home after a long day of work.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident. The death toll may rise as several of the injured remain in critical condition.
