At least eight people have been confirmed dead and 33 others injured following a road crash on Tuesday morning at Lwego along the Masaka–Mbarara highway, in an incident that has once again raised concern over road safety in Uganda.
The accident involved a passenger bus, registration number UAL 492H, operated by Kasaba Bus Company, and a box-body truck. According to eyewitness accounts, the bus was travelling from Rukungiri to Kampala when the collision occurred.
Emergency responders rushed the injured to nearby health facilities for treatment, while authorities had yet to release the identities of the deceased by press time. Police also said the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The latest tragedy adds to a growing number of road accidents across the country. Traffic police data indicates that Uganda recorded 26,044 road crashes in 2025, an increase from 25,107 cases reported in 2024. Fatalities from these incidents surpassed 5,300.
Officials continue to attribute most accidents to human factors, including speeding, reckless overtaking, and poor judgement on the road. Law enforcement authorities have also noted that men account for the majority of road crash victims, with young people among the most affected groups.
The Masaka–Mbarara highway, a key route connecting Kampala to southwestern Uganda and neighbouring countries, has in recent years seen several deadly accidents, largely due to high traffic volumes and risky driving behaviour.
Government efforts to address the situation include plans to reinstate the automated Express Penalty System, which uses cameras to detect traffic violations such as speeding. Authorities say the move is intended to strengthen enforcement and curb dangerous driving habits.
Investigations into Tuesday’s crash are ongoing.
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