By Robert Segawa
A tragic accident occurred this morning along the Iganga-Jinja highway at Kakira, leaving seven people confirmed dead and eight others critically injured. The collision involved a speeding taxi, registration number UBP 574J, which rammed into a stationary Fuso truck loaded with sugar cane, registration number UAF 333B.
The truck had developed mechanical issues and was left stranded in the middle of the road without any warning signs or reflectors.
According to Kiira Region Police spokesperson James Mubi, the accident claimed the lives of John Wangolo (67) and Godfrey Mwese Kabula (51), both councillors from Manafwa District, along with Emmanuel Wateya (35), James Wananda (39), Mark Mulekwa, and Godfrey Katskwenda from Kyotera District. Six of the victims died at the scene, while one was pronounced dead on arrival at Jinja Referral Hospital.
Mubi attributed the cause of the accident to the lack of proper signage and reflectors on the broken-down truck and the excessive speed of the taxi driver. He also confirmed that the injured passengers are currently receiving treatment at Jinja Referral Hospital.
In response to the incident, Mubi issued a stern warning to owners of sugar cane trucks, stating that any vehicles found in poor condition or posing a danger to road safety would be impounded and parked at the police station.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Jinja Referral Hospital for postmortem, while the injured passengers are receiving medical attention.
