By Robert Segawa
Police in Greater Masaka have released the identities of 14 people who died in a fatal road crash that occurred on Tuesday night at Lwera along the Kampala–Masaka Highway in Kalungu District.
The accident involved a Toyota Hiace taxi, registration number UA 662AQ, and a Sino truck, registration number UBS 040F, which was transporting sand.
According to the Greater Masaka Regional Police spokesperson, Twaha Kasirye, the deceased have been identified as:
- Ssembatya Abdul Karim, a resident of Masaka City and the driver of the taxi.
- Alobo Alice Gracious, 30, a resident of Opit Town Council in Omoro District.
- Kizza Moses, 30, a resident of Kyetume in Kyotera District.
- Natondwa Joanita, 23, a resident of Masaka City.
- Namajja Aidah, 52, a resident of Masaka City.
- Ssebuuma Lawrence, 34, a resident of Mabaale-Kifuufu in Kyotera District.
- Nabbosa Margaret, 36, a resident of Zirobwe Town Council in Luwero District.
- Nabbulime Veronica.
- A female juvenile, identified as the daughter of Nabbulime Veronica.
- Kizza Moses, 27.
- Irora Innocent, 39, a resident of Kyegegwa Town Council and an employee of Coca-Cola Namanve.
- Police Sergeant Nabukeya (Force No. 44616), whose duty station has not yet been established.
- Two unidentified adult males.
All the deceased were occupants of the taxi. Police confirmed that a total of 14 people, including the driver, lost their lives in the crash.
The injured were identified as Kaiga Edward, 22, a passenger in the Sino truck, two unidentified male occupants of the taxi, and one unidentified adult male who was travelling aboard the truck.
Kasirye attributed the crash to reckless driving, alleging that the driver of the Sino truck attempted to avoid road humps in the middle of the highway before veering into the opposite lane and colliding head-on with the oncoming taxi.
“We urge all drivers to avoid speeding and drive responsibly to prevent unnecessary loss of life on our roads,” Kasirye said.
Police officers visited the scene, and investigations into the crash are ongoing. Authorities are also searching for the truck driver, who reportedly fled the scene after the collision.
