Police in Busoga North are investigating a fatal road accident in Nawanyago along the Kamuli-Jinja highway in which a Tata truck carrying sugarcane overturned, killing three people on the spot and injuring seven others.
The truck, which belongs to Bugiri Sugar Factory, was reportedly en route from Kamuli to Bugiri when the driver lost control, causing it to overturn. The victims were seated on top of the loaded sugarcane when the incident occurred.
The deceased have been identified as Nicholas Koozala, aged 25, a resident of Itukulu Bukaya zone in Nawanyago Sub-county; Derick Kibikyo, aged 16, from Bukula village in Nawanyago; and Asadi Ssajjabi, aged 26, from Buwolero-Mawolero zone in Buwenge Rural, Jinja District.
According to Busoga North Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha, the injured were rushed to various health facilities for treatment, though their identities had not yet been confirmed at the time of the report.
“The crash occurred as the truck travelled from Kamuli heading to Bugiri. The seven injured passengers were seated on top of the sugarcane and sustained varying injuries. The driver fled the scene and his whereabouts remain unknown,” ASP Kasadha said.
He added that the bodies of the deceased were conveyed to Kamuli General Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination, as police continue with inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
This incident comes amid a concerning rise in road traffic fatalities across the country. Only hours after the Kamuli tragedy, another accident in Kapchorwa District claimed the lives of nine cattle traders and left 10 others seriously injured, further underscoring the need for stronger road safety enforcement.
Authorities have renewed their appeal to transport operators to adhere strictly to safety regulations and to avoid transporting passengers in unsafe conditions.