Related Articles
Uganda has once again been thrown into mourning after a tragic road accident at Karuma Bridge claimed the lives of several people. The heartbreaking incident has left families in pain and raised fresh concerns about road safety across the country.
The accident happened on Tuesday morning at Karuma Bridge in Nwoya District when a truck plunged into the River Nile. The vehicle, a Fuso truck with registration number UAY 284Q, was carrying maize from Lelabaro Trading Centre in Omoro District to areas in Central Uganda.
Initial reports suggested that only three people were inside the truck at the time of the crash. However, new information from police indicates that the number of people on board may have been higher, with fears that up to seven individuals were in the vehicle.
According to traffic police in Nwoya, the truck had earlier been cleared at the Karuma–Pakwach junction before disaster struck. The vehicle reportedly lost control, struck the left side of the newly installed guard rail, and then plunged into the fast-moving waters of the River Nile.
Authorities say the force of the crash was severe. The truck sank into the river, making rescue and recovery efforts extremely difficult. Parts of the vehicle are still visible under the water as teams continue searching.
Aswa West Police Spokesperson David Ongom Mudong explained that at least six people are believed to have left Lelabaro Trading Centre in the truck. These included the driver and several loaders, all said to be residents of the trading centre.
Later information suggested that an additional woman may also have been inside the vehicle. This raised the possible number of occupants to seven, increasing fears that the death toll could rise.
The driver of the truck has been identified as Okello Jamal. Police allege that he was heavily intoxicated at the time of the journey, a factor that may have contributed to the accident.
Reports also indicate that the owner of the maize tried to stop the driver from taking the wheel. Unfortunately, the warning was reportedly ignored, and the journey continued, leading to the tragic outcome.
The other known occupants have been identified as Sunday, Moze, Opiyo, and Onek. They were described as brokers operating in Lelabaro Trading Centre, trying to earn a living through trade activities.
So far, rescue teams have managed to retrieve one body from the river. The search for the remaining victims is still ongoing, with hopes fading as time passes.
The Police Marine Unit, together with officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, have joined the operation. Their mission is to recover bodies and the submerged vehicle from the river.
Karuma Bridge has long been considered a critical and sensitive point along Uganda’s road network. The fast-flowing waters below make accidents at the bridge particularly dangerous.
This tragedy comes nearly a year after safety improvements were carried out at the bridge. The Ministry of Works and Transport had replaced guard rails and installed parapet walls to help prevent vehicles from plunging into the river.
Street lighting was also installed to improve visibility, especially at night. Despite these measures, accidents still happen, reminding the public that infrastructure alone cannot guarantee safety.
Police say investigations have started to establish the exact cause of the crash. They will examine factors such as driver behavior, vehicle condition, and road conditions at the time.
Road safety experts continue to warn drivers against drunk driving, overspeeding, and ignoring advice from others. Many accidents in Uganda are linked to human error that could be avoided.
Families of the victims are now left in grief, waiting for news as search teams continue their difficult work. Communities in Omoro and surrounding areas are mourning the sudden loss of lives.
This tragic accident serves as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change on the road. As Ugandans say rest in peace to the victims, many hope for stronger road safety awareness to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
This tragedy also calls on authorities and road users alike to renew their commitment to safety. Stronger enforcement against drunk driving, regular vehicle inspections, and public awareness campaigns could help reduce such painful losses.
As the nation mourns, many Ugandans are praying that lessons will be learned so that lives are better protected on the country’s roads.
