By Jamila Kemigisa
A tragic accident in Queen Elizabeth National Park claimed the lives of two people and left three others injured after a Bwera Hospital ambulance overturned at Nyamuhuru corner along the Rubirizi-Kasese Road.
According to SSP Tumusiime Marcial, spokesperson for the Greater Bushenyi region, the accident occurred at around 9:20 PM when the driver of the Toyota Land Cruiser ambulance (registration UG 3100265) lost control while navigating a sharp bend. The ambulance, which was returning to Kasese from Mbarara Hospital, veered off the road and overturned.
The deceased have been identified as Glades, a 56-year-old resident of Kigoro Village, Kasese District, and Samuel Barugahare, a 79-year-old from the same area. Both victims succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to Rugazi Health Centre.
Three others sustained injuries, including Thungu Joy (52), Dr. Godwin from Bwera Hospital, and Kawara Moreen, all residents of Kigoro Village. They were taken to Lugazi Health Centre for treatment.
Preliminary police investigations attribute the crash to overspeeding, which caused the driver to lose control on the sharp turn. Officers from Rubirizi Police Station, including the District Traffic Officer (DTO), responded to the scene. The wrecked ambulance has since been towed to Kichwamba Police Station for further inspection.
Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially at night, when navigating winding roads to prevent similar tragedies. Investigations into the accident are ongoing.
Previous Accidents on the Rubirizi-Kasese Road
The Rubirizi-Kasese Road has witnessed multiple fatal accidents in recent years, particularly on its sharp bends and hilly terrain. Notable incidents include:
- August 11, 2024: A Toyota Probox overturned at Nkombe Village, Rubirizi District, killing four people. The vehicle lost control while descending a slope, veering off the road into a trench.
- November 26, 2018: Five teachers from Pearl Primary School in Kasese town died in a motor accident at Rutoto Trading Centre when their vehicle was struck by a fast-moving lorry.
- September 11, 2018: Three individuals perished when a Fuso lorry carrying bicycle spare parts overturned multiple times at Rutoto Trading Centre. The accident was attributed to mechanical failure while ascending Nkombe Hill.
