By Robert Segawa
Nineteen market vendors tragically lost their lives, and thirteen others sustained serious injuries in a fatal road accident that occurred late Tuesday night at Kigolobya village along the Hoima–Buliisa road.
The crash happened around 11:00 PM and involved a Fuso Fighter truck, registration number UBB 639W, which was transporting traders from Wanseko–Buliisa Market. According to preliminary investigations, the vehicle failed to ascend a slight hill at Kigorobya. It rolled backward and overturned, killing 19 passengers on the spot and injuring 13 others.
Albertine region police spokesperson Julius Hakiza confirmed the incident and said the injured were rushed to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and other nearby health facilities for urgent medical attention. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Hoima City Mortuary for postmortem examinations.
Hakiza revealed that the victims had been riding on top of their goods, loaded on the truck, which is not designed for passenger transport.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” said Hakiza.
He also issued a strong warning to truck drivers and transporters to avoid carrying passengers in cargo trucks, stressing the importance of regular vehicle maintenance to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to such tragedies.
