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A wave of grief and shock has swept through communities in southwestern Uganda following a tragic road accident involving a Trinity Bus along the Mbarara–Kabale highway in Rukiga District. The accident, which happened in the early hours of Monday morning, transformed what should have been a routine night journey into a heartbreaking tragedy that has left families mourning and survivors traumatized.
The fatal crash occurred at around 2:30 a.m. at Bukinda, a location along the highway that is frequently used by long-distance buses and heavy vehicles traveling between Kampala, southwestern Uganda, and neighboring Rwanda. At that time of night, the road was quiet, visibility was low, and most passengers on the bus were asleep or resting, unaware of the danger that lay ahead.
The Trinity Bus, bearing registration number RAT 597K, had departed Kampala earlier in the night and was heading toward Rwanda with passengers from different parts of the country. Some were traders, others were workers, students, and families traveling for personal reasons, all trusting the public transport system to deliver them safely to their destination.
According to preliminary police reports, the bus suddenly lost control while in motion and veered off the road before sliding into a trench. The cause of the accident has not yet been established, but the force of the crash caused serious damage to the vehicle and threw passengers violently against seats, windows, and one another.
Inside the bus, panic quickly spread as passengers woke up to loud noises, screams, and pain. Many struggled to understand what had happened in the darkness, while injured passengers cried out for help, trapped by twisted metal and damaged seats.
Three passengers were confirmed dead at the scene, their lives ending instantly as a result of the powerful impact. Several others sustained serious injuries, including fractures, head injuries, deep cuts, and internal trauma, while some suffered minor injuries but were deeply shaken by the experience.
The scene at Bukinda was distressing and chaotic, with injured passengers lying on the ground as others tried to assist them despite their own pain. The darkness of the night made rescue efforts difficult, and fear gripped survivors as they waited for help to arrive.
The Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, later confirmed the incident and expressed deep concern over the loss of life. He said police were alerted shortly after the crash and immediately moved to the scene to manage the situation.
ASP Maate explained that traffic police officers, ambulance teams, and other uniformed personnel were quickly deployed to carry out rescue operations. Their priority was to save lives, assist the injured, and secure the area to prevent further accidents.
The injured passengers were carefully evacuated from the scene and rushed to nearby health facilities for urgent medical attention. Health workers worked tirelessly through the night to stabilize victims and ensure that those in critical condition received immediate care.
At the hospitals, emotional scenes unfolded as relatives, friends, and concerned members of the public gathered seeking information. Some families were relieved to find their loved ones alive, while others were devastated after receiving news of death.
Police secured the accident scene to protect other road users and to preserve evidence that will help in ongoing investigations. Traffic along the Mbarara–Kabale highway was temporarily disrupted as officers controlled the situation and guided vehicles safely past the area.
ASP Maate said investigations have been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident. He noted that officers will examine factors such as speed, road conditions, mechanical condition of the bus, and possible driver fatigue.
He further urged drivers, especially those operating public transport vehicles, to avoid speeding and ensure their vehicles are in good mechanical condition before embarking on long journeys, particularly at night when risks are higher.
The tragic accident has once again raised public concern about road safety on major highways in Uganda, where night travel and long-distance bus operations continue to pose serious risks to passengers.
Residents and road users expressed sadness and frustration, calling on authorities to strengthen enforcement of traffic laws, improve road infrastructure, and ensure strict inspection of public transport vehicles.
Families of the deceased are now left in deep mourning, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of loved ones who left home expecting to return safely. Burial arrangements are being made amid pain and unanswered questions.
Police extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured passengers a quick and full recovery as they continue to receive medical care.
Authorities assured the public that efforts are being strengthened to improve emergency response, road safety awareness, and enforcement along busy highways such as the Mbarara–Kabale road.
As investigations continue, the deadly Trinity Bus crash stands as a painful reminder of how fragile life is and how important caution, responsibility, and respect for traffic rules are in preventing such tragic losses on Uganda’s roads.
