There is still deep sorrow and grief among the families of Rwandans and other passengers following a serious accident involving a Trinity passenger bus traveling from Uganda’s capital, Kampala, to Kigali in Rwanda.
The accident, confirmed by Ugandan security authorities, occurred on Monday night on the main highway connecting the cities of Mbarara and Kabare in Rukiga District, at a place known as Bukinda. The bus, bearing the license plate RAT 597K, was carrying numerous passengers, including Rwandans and Ugandans.
According to ASP Elly Maate, spokesperson for the Uganda Police in the Kigezi region, the accident happened around 8:30 PM, when the bus veered off the road and fell into a large ditch. The crash was severe, claiming the lives of three people, while many others sustained injuries.
The confirmed deceased include Lubwama John Herbert, a 26-year-old Ugandan, and two Rwandans who were drivers: Habineza Alfred, the 30-year-old main driver of the bus, and another Rwandan known as Gaddafi, who was also a driver.
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The accident caused panic and distress among the passengers; some were seriously injured, while others were mentally traumatized by the severity of the incident.
Local residents near the accident site, together with security personnel, quickly rushed to rescue passengers trapped in the bus and help evacuate them safely.
ASP Elly Maate stated that the injured were immediately taken to various hospitals in Rukiga District for urgent medical attention, while those with minor injuries continued to be monitored by doctors.
So far, the exact cause of the accident remains unknown. The Uganda Police have announced that they have launched a thorough investigation to determine the main reasons behind the bus veering off the road, including whether it was due to excessive speed, a technical issue with the vehicle, driver fatigue, or road conditions.
The accident has once again raised concerns about the safety of long-distance night travel, especially for buses carrying passengers across different countries to Rwanda.
Road safety analysts continue to call on transport companies to strengthen vehicle inspections, reduce drivers’ working hours, and avoid long night journeys whenever possible.
For the bereaved families, there remains profound grief and sadness as they await updates from the authorities on the repatriation of the deceased and the care of the injured.
The Uganda Police have stated that they will continue to release updates as the investigation progresses, while urging drivers and passengers alike to remain vigilant and strictly observe road safety regulations.
