EDITOR
A serious road accident involving a Gateway Bus has left one pedestrian dead and several passengers injured along the Ntungamo–Kabale highway at Rwabahazi Cell in Muhanga Town Council, Rukiga District.
The accident occurred today at approximately 6:10 AM when the Scania bus, registration number UBM 707X, en route from Kampala to Kabale, reportedly lost control and knocked a female pedestrian before overturning into a roadside trench.
The deceased has been identified as Dafroza Tumushabe Rwakinda, a 77-year-old resident of Nyakabungo Cell, Muhanga Town Council. She was walking along the shoulder of the road heading towards Rwahi in Ntungamo District when she was struck.
According to preliminary investigations, the bus was being driven by Karim Balabye, 54, a resident of Bugembe in Jinja District. The vehicle, which was carrying multiple passengers, veered off the road after the incident and overturned, resulting in various injuries.
Among the injured passengers were:
- Assumpta Kyomuhangi, 40, businesswoman from Nansana, Wakiso District
- Ronnie Nowamani, 18, student, Nansana, Wakiso District
- Blaire Nowamani, 14, Kabale District
- Brandon Nowembabazi, 11, Kabale District
- Patience Busingye, 49, Kampala
- Benson Kicoco, 55, businessman, Kampala
- Pauson Assimwe, 40, businessman, Rubanda District
- Richard Basisha, 34, Rwandan national
- Tracey Ninsima, 21, Muhanga Town Council
The District Traffic Officer (DTO) for Rukiga, along with a police team, swiftly responded to the scene. The area was documented, a sketch plan drawn, and statements from eyewitnesses recorded.
All victims were initially taken to ROTOM Health Centre, with some later referred to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for advanced medical care. The bus has since been towed to Rukiga Central Police Station for safe custody pending inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles (IOV).
Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.
