Rwizi Region Police spokesperson SP Samson Kasasira has cautioned motorists against reckless driving and over speeding, following a tragic head-on collision on the Mbarara–Lyantonde Highway that claimed the lives of eight people and left one critically injured on Friday, 13th February, 2026.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. local time in Kibega I village, Kiruhura District, involving a white Toyota Hiace taxi (UBQ 016U) and a Mercedes-Benz Actros trailer (KDQ 668L / ZH 5133).
Preliminary investigations indicate that the Toyota Hiace was traveling from Mbarara to Lyantonde, while the trailer was coming from Lyantonde toward Mbarara. The taxi driver attempted to overtake at a corner and collided head-on with the trailer, which was coming from the opposite lane.
Eight people all from the Toyota Hiace died on spot however one survivor identified as Sam sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
.Among the fatalities was Julius Kitone, a journalist with NBS Television (Next Media), whose dedication and passion for storytelling made him widely respected and his death has left Uganda’s media community grieving deeply.
Speaking to journalists on 14th February 2026, SP Kasasira, said that the stretch near Sanga Town is so dangerous, noting that drivers often accelerate after road humps, making the area prone to serious accidents.
He further urged all motorists to exercise caution, especially on highways known for sharp corners and heavy traffic.
“Reckless driving and over speeding continue to cause thousands of road accidents every year. Drivers must exercise caution, particularly in high-risk areas, particularly those with sharp corners and heavy traffic, to protect lives,” SP Kasasira said.
He extended his condolences to the families of NBS TV journalist Julius Kitone and the seven others who lost their lives, acknowledging the profound grief felt by their families and the wider media community following Uganda’s latest highway tragedy.
Road accidents on routes connected to the Mbarara corridor on related highways such as Bushenyi–Mbarara and Masaka–Mbarara remain a recurring issue in Uganda as seen below.
On 26th December 2025, Uganda was plunged into mourning after seven family members, including children, were killed on the spot in a collision along the Masaka–Mbarara Highway. Their vehicle collided with a truck while they were traveling to Rukiga District to attend a baptism ceremony for their children with the grandparents.”
Additionally In the early hours of January 2026, at around 2:00 a.m., four people were killed in a hit-and-run accident along the Bushenyi–Mbarara Highway near Peak Hotel. The victims were riding a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle (registration UMA 992CA) and all died on the spot leaving police launching a hunt for the driver who fled the scene.
These recent tragedies highlight the urgent need for motorists to adhere to road safety rules, including observing speed limits and avoiding reckless overtaking, particularly on high-risk stretches like the Mbarara–Lyantonde, Bushenyi–Mbarara, and Masaka–Mbarara highways.
Authorities continue to investigate these accidents and urge drivers to prioritize safety to prevent further loss of life.
