Police in Sheema District are investigating a fatal road accident that claimed one life and left 12 others injured at Nyamufumura along the Bushenyi–Mbarara Road in Sheema District.
The accident occurred on Saturday night at around 11:30 pm and involved an Isuzu Canter registration number UBA 251A, whose driver is currently on the run.
According to police, the vehicle was transporting market vendors from Sheema towards Bushenyi when the driver reportedly lost control, veered off the road and overturned.
The deceased was identified only as Kijere, a male adult market vendor who died instantly at the scene. Twelve other vendors who were travelling on the same vehicle sustained injuries and were promptly rushed to Sheema Health Centre IV for medical treatment.
Preliminary police investigations point to reckless driving as the suspected cause of the crash.
Police officers visited and documented the scene before conveying the deceased’s body to Sheema Health Centre IV pending a postmortem examination. The wrecked vehicle was towed to Sheema Police Station for inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles as investigations continue.
Authorities have launched efforts to trace the driver, who fled after the accident, and are appealing to members of the public with information about his whereabouts to report to the nearest police station.
Greater Bushenyi Regional Police spokesperson, SP Apollo Tayebwa, cautioned members of the public against travelling in cargo vehicles, warning that such practices put lives at risk.
“The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns the practice of passengers boarding vehicles designated for transporting goods. Vendors and members of the public are urged to use licensed passenger service vehicles and reserve cargo vehicles strictly for goods,” Tayebwa said.
Police also extended condolences to the bereaved family as investigations into the incident continue.
