Fuel Tanker Crashes into River Nile Near Karuma Bridge, Recovery Efforts Underway

Police in Uganda’s Albertine North region have initiated a search and recovery mission after a fuel tanker fell into the River Nile near Karuma Bridge around 2:50am on Wednesday.

The tanker, traveling from Kampala to Gulu along the Kampala-Gulu Highway, lost control and veered off the road, according to Acting Police Public Relations Officer Solomon Mugisa. The vehicle’s registration remains unidentified, hindering efforts to trace its owner or confirm driver details.

Initial investigations point to the driver losing control as the cause. The tanker was spotted floating about four kilometers downstream but is now lodged between rocks, complicating retrieval without specialized marine equipment.

No bodies have been found so far, and police have enlisted marine specialists to assist once gear arrives. Mr. Mugisa noted ongoing coordination with the marine unit for a safe recovery.

The crash has spotlighted safety issues on the highway, notorious for sharp bends and steep drops near Karuma Falls. Local leader Mukasa Muhammade blamed rising accidents on driver fatigue, speeding, and poor adherence to safety rules.

Police urged long-haul drivers to rest every 100 kilometers, ensure vehicles are serviced, and avoid fatigue-related risks. The driver’s status and any occupants remain unconfirmed as operations continue.

This follows a February 2026 incident where a maize truck plunged into the Nile at Karuma, killing at least seven people.

Source: Daily Monitor