Authorities in Kanungu district have called upon motorists to strictly adhere to traffic rules and stop driving recklessly, following two separate road accidents that claimed the lives of two men within 48 hours.
According to preliminary police investigations, both accidents were a result of reckless driving and hit run incidents.
The first of the recent tragedies occurred on 24th September, 2025, at around 4:00 p.m. at Ibambiro junction along the Ishasha–Rukungiri road, when a speeding white Toyota Hilux double cabin (UAW 240Z) collided with a motorcycle (UFP 109R Bajaj Boxer) ridden by 25 year old Elian Tumukunde of Rwerere, Kihihi Sub County.
Tumukunde was killed instantly, and the driver fled the scene.
His body was taken to Kihihi Health Centre IV for postmortem, and the motorcycle was impounded at Kihihi Police Station.
Less than 24 hours later, on 25th September, 2025, another fatal accident occurred in Kanungu Town along the old Kanungu–Rukungiri road at about 11:40 a.m. A Toyota Premio (UAV 722W) lost control and struck 39 year old Nestor Turinawe of Rugoma Cell, Kanungu Town Council, who was loading boxes of school chalk onto his Bajaj Boxer (UFR 730W).
Turinawe died instantly when the impact threw him into a nearby house.
Both vehicles were towed to Kanungu Central Police Station for inspection as investigations continue.
Speaking to the media on 26th September, 2025, ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed that investigations into both incidents are ongoing and urged all drivers to respect traffic laws and drive safely, warning that reckless driving continues to endanger lives.
He also expressed concern over the increasing number of hit-and-run cases in the district and urged anyone with relevant information to report it to the police to ensure justice is served.
“The rise in hit and run incidents in Kanungu is alarming. We urge the community to cooperate with police and help apprehend the culprits,” ASP Maate stated.
Kanungu District has witnessed multiple fatal accidents this year, caused by reckless driving, over speeding, hit and run, and brake failures. Notable incidents include:
On 27th January, 2025, a tourist van (UAM 271U) traveling from Bwindi to Butogota veered off the road at Munyaga Bridge in Bikuto village, overturned multiple times, and plunged into a river. One foreign tourist was killed on arrival at Bwindi Hospital, while four others, including three tourists and the Ugandan driver, were critically injured. The accident was reportedly caused by brake failure.
Similarly, on 30th August, 2025, a motorcycle (UEX 495H) traveling at high speed along the Kihihi–Ishasha road knocked down a pedestrian, 43 year old Kenneth Nkwasibwe of Kabuga, Kihihi Sub County, who died instantly.
On 13th September, 2025, a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle (UGH 008F) ridden by Private Expedito Turyatunga, 34, collided with 65-year-old, a resident of Kabananura Kasimu, Runina Lower, Kanyantorogo. The soldier lost control while traveling from Kanyantorogo to Kitookye, resulting in the elderly man’s death.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures in Kanungu District, including stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved road infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing further tragedies.
Authorities continue to appeal to the public to cooperate with traffic road regulations and exercise caution on all district roads.
