Eight Killed in Highway Crash as Police Warn Against Reckless Overtaking

Eight people have died following a devastating road crash along the Mbarara–Lyantonde Highway in Kiruhura District, in an incident that has renewed concern over dangerous overtaking on Uganda’s highways.

Police in the Rwizi Region said the collision happened at about 6:30pm on Friday at Kibega I Village. The crash involved a white Toyota Hiace taxi, registration number UBQ 016U, and a Mercedes-Benz Actros trailer, registration numbers KDQ 668L/ZH 5133.

Preliminary police findings indicate that the taxi was traveling from Mbarara toward Lyantonde when the driver attempted to overtake at a corner. Investigators say the maneuver placed the taxi directly into the path of the oncoming trailer, which was traveling toward Mbarara in its proper lane. The two vehicles collided head-on.

All eight people who died were occupants of the taxi. Police confirmed that one survivor sustained injuries and was rushed to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for medical treatment.

Rescue and Identification Efforts

By press time, four of the victims’ bodies were still trapped in the wreckage as emergency teams worked to complete recovery operations. Authorities said the identification process is ongoing, with police coordinating with local leaders and families.

Rwizi Regional Police spokesperson Samson Kasasira attributed the crash to reckless overtaking and emphasized that corners and blind spots remain among the most dangerous points on highways. He urged motorists to exercise patience, observe lane discipline, and avoid risky overtaking, especially on high-speed roads.

Renewed Road Safety Concerns

The crash highlights persistent road safety challenges along busy transport corridors linking western and central Uganda. Traffic police have repeatedly cautioned drivers against aggressive overtaking, speeding, and ignoring road visibility limits — factors that continue to contribute to fatal collisions. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and police say further details will be released once the identification of victims and forensic assessments are complete.

Authorities are once again calling on drivers and transport operators to prioritize safety over speed, warning that a moment of poor judgment can have irreversible consequences for families and communities.