Five Killed in Mayuge Truck Accident

Five people died and 17 others sustained injuries after a truck carrying mourners from a burial overturned in Mayuge District. The Mayuge truck accident happened at Ntinda village in Buwaaya sub-county, leaving the community shaken and mourning their neighbors.

Witnesses said the truck, a Tata registration number UAA 951V, carried more than 40 passengers who were returning from a burial in Katonte village, Magamaga Town Council. It lost control after drivers switched mid-journey, leading to the crash that scattered passengers across the road.

What Happened

Locals explained that the truck sped through Mayuge town even though it was overloaded. After the first driver handed the vehicle to another one, the replacement driver accelerated on a rough section near Ntinda village. As a result, the truck lost balance and overturned violently.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying. “The driver was reckless. He ignored warnings and sped even though the vehicle was in poor condition,” one resident said. Many villagers rushed to rescue the injured before emergency teams arrived.

Victims and Response

Police, led by officer Moses Kakiryo, reached the accident scene quickly. They coordinated with local rescue teams and ambulances to move victims to hospitals. Seventeen survivors received treatment at Mayuge Health Center IV and nearby clinics.

Six people with critical injuries were later transferred to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for advanced care. Medical officers said the victims suffered fractures, broken ribs, and internal injuries.

Authorities confirmed the deaths of Ibra Igulu, Onyango Asuman, Patrick Kiirya, Edisa Baisi, and one unidentified victim. Most of them came from Kakunhu village in Imanyiro sub-county. Families gathered at the hospitals and police stations to identify bodies and support survivors.

Official Reaction

Mayuge Resident District Commissioner Lt. Alhajji Ramathan Walugembe condemned the reckless driving that caused the tragedy. He offered condolences to the affected families and urged motorists to respect traffic rules. Moreover, he warned against overloading and speeding, which continue to claim innocent lives on Uganda’s roads.

He also assured the public that security agencies will hunt for the driver who fled after the crash. In his remarks, he emphasized that such negligence will no longer go unpunished.

The Mayuge truck accident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of poor vehicle maintenance and driver carelessness. Consequently, authorities have promised tighter road safety checks and stronger enforcement to reduce accidents in the region.