A tragic accident occurred in Mabira forest on Friday afternoon, claiming the life of a UPDF soldier at the rank of Major.
The incident took place around 1:30 pm near the new picnic site along the Kampala-Jinja highway. According to SP Hellen Butoto, the Ssezibwa police region spokesperson, the collision involved a Toyota Land Cruiser V8, registered as UBQ 424N, driven by Major Habib Nsamba Katakabire, and a Howo Trailer with registration number UBP.
Eyewitnesses reported that Major Katakabire attempted to overtake a line of vehicles while traveling from Kampala to Jinja. In the process, his Land Cruiser collided head-on with the oncoming Howo Trailer.
The impact caused the Land Cruiser to roll over and strike another vehicle, a Toyota Premio registered as UBP 411L, which was being driven by a police officer from Bweyogerere police station.
The accident scene depicted significant damage, with the Land Cruiser’s driver’s side extensively smashed and the trailer overturned, causing its front tires to detach.
Tragically, Major Katakabire succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the trailer driver, identified as Muhammad Kasozi, 62, sustained injuries and was rushed to Kawolo Hospital for medical attention.
Following standard procedure, the deceased’s body was transferred to Kawolo Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination. Meanwhile, the three vehicles involved were impounded at Mabira Police Station yard pending inspection by the inspector of vehicles.
Police investigations have pointed to reckless overtaking as the primary cause of the accident.
