At least 18 people were injured on Tuesday morning following a road crash involving a Gateway Bus along the Kisoro-Kabale highway in southwestern Uganda.
The accident happened at approximately 10:50 AM at a notorious blackspot known as Chanakye Red Corner, located in Kanaba Sub-county, Kisoro District. The bus, a Scania with registration number UBK 804Y, was heading to Kisoro from Kabale with around 60 passengers on board.
According to initial findings by the Uganda Police, the driver, identified as Julius Owoyesigire, 40, from Nyabihoko in Ntungamo District, reportedly lost control while descending a steep slope. It is suspected that the vehicle’s braking system failed, and the driver was unable to safely maneuver a sharp bend, resulting in the bus overturning.
ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the incident and said 15 people sustained minor injuries, while three others were seriously hurt. The victims include residents from various parts of the country, including Kampala, Kisoro, Tororo, Mubende, Entebbe, and Kanungu. Among the injured were a 9-year-old girl and an 8-month-old baby.
Police officers led by ASP Michael Kushaba quickly responded to the scene. A road sketch was drawn, and rescue operations were carried out. All injured passengers were taken to nearby medical centers for treatment. The wreckage of the bus was later towed to Kisoro Central Police Station for inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles (IOV).
Preliminary assessments suggest that brake failure and overspeeding were contributing factors to the crash. Authorities say a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
The incident comes just two days after another Gateway Bus, registration UBM 707X, was involved in a separate crash in Muhanga, Rukiga District. In that case, all 62 occupants survived but sustained injuries.
