SHEEMA — At least seven people have been confirmed dead and two others critically injured following a road crash on the Mbarara–Bushenyi Highway in western Uganda early Saturday morning.
The accident occurred around 6:30 a.m. at Rushara in Kabwohe, Sheema Municipality, involving a Toyota Fielder that reportedly veered off the road. According to reports by Daily Monitor, the victims were returning home from overnight prayers at St. Rose Catholic Church in Kabwohe when the incident happened.
Local media, including Crooze FM, also confirmed that the vehicle had been travelling from Bushenyi toward Mbarara at the time of the crash.
Eyewitnesses said the vehicle suddenly lost control before leaving the road, sparking panic among residents who rushed to the scene to offer assistance.
“We heard a loud bang and rushed there, but it was already too late for many of them,” one resident was quoted as saying in local media reports.
Two survivors were rescued from the wreckage and rushed to ICOBI Hospital in critical condition, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Preliminary accounts from witnesses have suggested that the driver may have been speeding and possibly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. However, police have not yet confirmed these claims and say investigations are ongoing.
Authorities have since launched inquiries into the exact cause of the accident, including mechanical failure, road conditions, and driver conduct.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over safety along the Mbarara–Bushenyi Highway, which has in the past been flagged by road users for frequent accidents linked to reckless driving and poor road conditions.
Community members expressed grief over the loss of lives, particularly given that the victims were returning from a religious gathering.
“It is very painful that people who were coming from prayers have lost their lives like this,” another resident said.
Road safety advocates are now calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, including checks on speeding and driving under the influence, especially during early morning hours.
Police are expected to release an official statement once investigations progress, including the identities of the deceased and further details surrounding the crash.
