At least five people have been killed in a fatal road accident in Buyende District, barely a day after another deadly accident along the Kamuli–Namasagali road claimed four lives, raising renewed concerns over the safety of sugarcane trucks in the Busoga sub-region.
Police in the Busoga North Region confirmed that the latest accident occurred last evening, at Kabigudo along the Iringa–Kidera road.
The crash involved a TATA motor vehicle registration number UAW 966U, reportedly a sugarcane truck, and a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle registration number UEZ 966W.
According to Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Samson Lubega, preliminary findings indicate that the TATA vehicle, which was travelling from Kidera towards Iringa, developed a mechanical failure after its steering system reportedly malfunctioned.
The impact killed all five occupants on the motorcycle instantly.
Police reports indicate that both incidents involved collisions between heavy commercial trucks and motorcycles, raising concerns over a growing pattern of such crashes in the region.
Authorities say investigations into the Buyende crash are ongoing to establish the exact cause, although mechanical failure has been cited as a likely contributing factor.
“This incident underscores the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, particularly for heavy commercial vehicles that operate long distances under demanding conditions,” SSP Lubega said.
He urged drivers and vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are in proper mechanical condition before taking to the road.
“We extend our condolences to the bereaved families of the victims in both incidents and call on all road users to exercise greater caution,” he added.
Police have also reiterated the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations, warning that negligence, poor vehicle maintenance, and reckless road use continue to contribute to road fatalities.
Road safety advocates have long pointed to mechanical failure, overloading, and unsafe riding practices as key contributors to the rising number of accidents, particularly those involving motorcycles, which remain among the most vulnerable road users.