Five people have been confirmed dead and six others injured following a devastating road crash at Botero Trading Centre along the Masaka–Kyotera highway on Tuesday morning.
The accident, which occurred at around 11:00 a.m., involved a Hino truck registration number T813DYP/T251ZH and a passenger taxi, commonly known as a “drone,” registration number UBH 378W.
According to Southern Region Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye, preliminary investigations indicate that the taxi had parked by the roadside at Botero Trading Centre to offload passengers when it was struck by the truck, which was travelling in the same direction.
The impact of the collision left five people dead instantly and several others seriously injured, turning the busy trading centre into a scene of grief and panic as residents and first responders rushed to rescue survivors.
Kasirye said the deceased comprise three adult women and two men.
Two of the victims have been identified as 28-year-old Vega Marks and a 60-year-old woman identified only as Janati. Efforts were still underway to establish the identities of the remaining victims and inform their next of kin.
The bodies of the deceased were transported to Kalisizo General Hospital for post-mortem examinations.
Six other victims sustained injuries in the crash. Police said the injured include five men and one woman, all of whom were rushed to nearby health facilities for emergency treatment.
Some were admitted to Kalisizo General Hospital while others were transferred to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital due to the severity of their injuries.
Witnesses at the scene described a horrifying moment as the truck slammed into the stationary taxi, crushing parts of the vehicle and trapping some occupants inside.
Rescue teams, assisted by residents, worked to remove victims from the wreckage before they could be taken to hospital.
Police have since arrested the driver of the truck to assist with ongoing investigations into the cause of the crash. Authorities have also impounded both vehicles pending mechanical inspection and further forensic examination.
While investigations are still ongoing, police are focusing on possible speeding and driver negligence as potential factors behind the accident.
The latest tragedy adds to the growing number of fatal road accidents reported on Uganda’s highways, particularly along major transport corridors linking different parts of the country.
Road safety experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers of speeding, reckless overtaking, driver fatigue and poor adherence to traffic regulations.
The Masaka–Kyotera highway, a key route connecting Uganda to neighbouring countries within the East African region, has in recent years witnessed several deadly accidents, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of road safety measures and greater caution among motorists.
As investigations continue, police have urged drivers to observe speed limits, remain vigilant on the roads and exercise extra caution, especially in trading centres and other populated areas where vehicles frequently stop to pick up or drop off passengers.
The crash has left several families mourning loved ones while others anxiously await updates on relatives receiving treatment in hospital.
By Our Reporter
17th June 2026
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