Six individuals lost their lives, and eight sustained injuries when a Super Custom with registration number UAZ 742U, part of the convoy for Kyabazinga HRH Gabula Nadiope IV, lost control and collided with spectators along the Jinja-Kamuli highway. The convoy was en route to Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe in Jinja city for the Kyabazinga’s royal wedding.
The incident took place on Saturday at Nawantumbe trading center, prompting immediate responses for rescue and medical attention. The deceased were transported to Kamuli General Hospital for postmortem examinations, while the injured are undergoing treatment at various private health facilities in Kamuli district.
Local vendor Issa Mugabi highlighted the challenges faced during the rescue operation, citing crowded roads and the absence of timely ambulance services. The congested roads, coupled with the lack of proper traffic control, reportedly led to delays in the evacuation process, contributing to the tragic outcome.
Witness Deborah Nambi stressed the necessity of improved traffic management in Nawantumbi, a narrow section of the highway prone to accidents. She pointed out the difficulties faced by the UPDF royal guards, who attempted to manage the traffic but were reportedly overwhelmed by the crowds.
The incident also brought attention to a shortfall in available blood matching the blood type of one of the victims at Kamuli General Hospital’s emergency ward, a factor that may have contributed to the loss of one casualty.
Michael Kasadha, the spokesperson for Busoga North’s police, confirmed ongoing investigations into the cause of the accident.