The incident occurred Thursday morning when a commuter taxi, registration number UBP 574J, traveling from Namisindwa District to Kampala, collided with a stationary truck, registration number UAF 333B, at William Junction in Kakira Town Council, Jinja District.
Part of the accident scene. Courtesy photo.
The death toll from the Jinja Road accident has risen to seven, with the seventh victim succumbing to his injuries this afternoon at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
The incident occurred Thursday morning when a commuter taxi, registration number UBP 574J, traveling from Namisindwa District to Kampala, collided with a stationary truck, registration number UAF 333B, at William Junction in Kakira Town Council, Jinja District.
Six victims died on the spot, while eight others were rushed to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital with serious injuries. However, one of the injured victims passed away, bringing the total fatalities to seven. Jackie Nyangoma, a roadside trader who witnessed the accident, mentioned that the stationary truck did not have any reflectors to warn other road users, which may have contributed to the accident.
James Mubi, the Kiira Regional Police spokesperson, identified some of the deceased as Beatrice Namutosi, Asuman Mulungo, Mary Naigaga, John Wangolo, and Godfrey Kabaale, councilors of Weswa and Manafwa town council respectively.
He said they are working closely with commuter taxi operators from the Elgon region to help identify the remaining victims. Mubi also highlighted a distressing issue where some bystanders looted valuables from the accident scene, including the victims’ phones, complicating efforts to contact their relatives. Mubi condemned the looting and urged the public to uphold humanity and prioritize the well-being of others, rather than exploiting tragedies for personal gain.