Police in Mityana District have launched investigations into a fire incident involving a passenger bus belonging to Link Bus Services after it caught fire along the Mityana–Mubende highway, sending panic among passengers and residents.
The incident occurred around noon on Thursday at Kikonge, when the bus, registration number UBF 966K, reportedly burst into flames while en route to Mubende.
According to initial accounts, all 65 passengers on board escaped unharmed, though several travelers lost personal luggage as the fire quickly engulfed the vehicle.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as thick smoke billowed from the bus, prompting nearby residents and motorists to rush to the scene in an attempt to assist passengers and salvage belongings.
Videos circulating on social media showed the bus being completely consumed by fire as crowds gathered along the roadside.
Police said they are working to establish the exact cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this stage.
“We have launched investigations into the circumstances under which the bus caught fire,” police said, noting that forensic and mechanical inspections would be conducted.
The incident has renewed public concern over the safety of long-distance buses in Uganda, particularly regarding mechanical fitness and emergency preparedness.
Link Bus Services has previously been associated with similar fire incidents, with past cases often linked to suspected mechanical failures, though investigations have at times pointed to a range of possible causes.
The latest fire adds to growing calls from commuters and road safety advocates for stricter enforcement of vehicle maintenance standards and more frequent inspections of long-distance passenger buses.
Authorities say more details will be released as investigations progress.
