Kigezi Police Launch Crackdown as Road Fatalities Spike

The Kigezi region is grappling with a significant increase in road traffic accidents, prompting a stern response from local police. In the last two months, authorities have recorded 26 separate crashes, tragically claiming the lives of 10 individuals and leaving several others with serious injuries.

Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson Nelson Tumushime expressed deep concern over the escalating death toll. He revealed that the majority of these incidents, including 10 fatal, 12 serious, and six minor crashes, occurred on key routes such as the Kanungu-Rukungiri-Ntungamo and Kabale-Kisoro-Mbarara roads.

Recent incidents underscore the severity of the problem. A devastating crash in Rukungiri District saw a truck carrying pilgrims lose control on a corner, leading to a collision with a boda boda. The accident resulted in four immediate deaths and injured over 30 passengers. In Kabale District, a hit-and-run incident involving a trailer claimed the life of a 19-year-old cyclist.

Another fatal accident in Rubanda District involved a Toyota Noah vehicle that failed to navigate a bend, killing a nun from the Kabale Diocese and an unidentified man, while several other passengers sustained severe injuries.

In response, police have launched intensified operations targeting common causes of accidents, including speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol, overloading, and operating vehicles in poor mechanical condition.

Tumushime urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, emphasizing that “speed kills and life has no spare parts.” He also appealed to vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are regularly maintained and encouraged the public to report any instances of reckless driving to the police. Furthermore, he called for collaboration with religious leaders, local government officials, and educational institutions to bolster road safety awareness campaigns.

For more details on these developments, visit Nile Post.