By Peter Luzinda
The Uganda Police Force is mourning the loss of one of its officers following a tragic accident in the early hours of Saturday morning, when a Tanzanian-bound cargo trailer rammed into a stationary police truck at a checkpoint in Kasanvu, along the Mutukula–Kyotera road.
According to the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety spokesperson, SP Michael Kananura, the fatal crash occurred at around 4:00 AM and involved a police Land Cruiser, registration number UP 2914 T, and a Mercedes Benz trailer, registration number T824 DXF/T529 EFJ.
“The crash reportedly occurred when the police vehicle, which was parked at a checkpoint with officers on board, was struck by a speeding trailer traveling in the same direction. The trailer lost control, collided with the police vehicle, and came to rest on top of it,” SP Kananura said.
The driver of the police vehicle died on the spot, while three other officers sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Investigations have revealed that the trailer was being driven by the turn-man, while the actual driver was resting at the time of the accident. The turn-man has since been arrested, while efforts to locate and apprehend the main driver, who fled the scene, are ongoing.
SP Kananura urged all road users, especially truck drivers, to strictly observe speed limits and exercise heightened caution particularly at night when visibility is poor.
He also condemned the widespread practice of allowing untrained turn-men to operate heavy trucks. “Training turn-men on the job is dangerous and irresponsible. Allowing unqualified individuals to operate such vehicles puts countless lives at risk,” he warned.
