At least 10 people have been confirmed dead, and 32 others critically injured after a Toyota Hiace taxi overturned on the Rubanda-Kabale road on Friday night.
The tragic incident occurred at around 10 pm when the driver reportedly failed to brake while attempting to navigate a sharp corner. The vehicle, identified by its registration number UBK 037K, plunged approximately 100 meters off the road, according to Kigezi region police spokesman Elly Maate.
Initial reports suggest that the ill-fated taxi was transporting Congolese nationals, believed to be escapees heading to Rwamiwaja refugee camp in Kamwenge district.
Details of the deceased and injured passengers remain scarce, though Dr. Philibert Nyeko, the director of Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, confirmed that the fatalities included five adults and five children.
According to Dr. Nyeko, the crash victims were brought to the hospital mortuary, where they were identified. Eight bodies were initially received, with one more person dying en route to the hospital and another passing away upon arrival.
“Currently, we have 32 injured individuals in our accident and emergency wards, including six young children who remain unidentified. One of the patients underwent surgery, and this morning our imaging team began further assessments,” Dr. Nyeko added.
This devastating accident highlights the ongoing crisis of road safety in Uganda. The country continues to grapple with a high rate of road crashes, with over 20,000 accidents reported annually, resulting in approximately 5,000 fatalities. Many survivors of such crashes are left with permanent disabilities, struggling with inadequate medical care and financial burdens.
The World Health Organization’s Africa region report paints a grim picture of road safety across the continent, with road fatalities rising by 17% over the past decade.
In Uganda, road crashes remain a leading cause of death and injury, raising concerns about the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
