(Kampala) – The Uganda Police’s director of crime intelligence, Christopher Damulira, has urged the public to stay away from crash scenes involving oil tanker trucks. This appeal follows a tragic incident on October 22, 2024, in Kigogwa town, located along the Kampala-Bombo Road, where an overturned oil tanker exploded, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and injuring several others.
Most of the victims, as reported by the police, were attempting to collect leaking petrol from the tanker when the explosion occurred. Damulira expressed his concern on social media, emphasizing the danger of such actions: “I appeal to Ugandans to heed the Police call to stay clear of accident scenes where fuel tankers are involved. Our message has always been clear: stay away, don’t scoop that fuel, it is death. Ugandans, please listen so we can save lives.” He also extended his condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.
Crashes involving fuel tankers are frequent in Uganda, often due to reckless driving and poorly maintained vehicles. Whenever an oil tanker is involved in an accident, crowds tend to gather with containers to siphon off fuel before an explosion occurs.
According to a recent performance report from the Uganda Police Force (UPF), the number of fatalities from road crashes increased by 6%, rising from 4,534 in 2022 to 4,806 in 2023. The report also indicated a 10% rise in serious injuries, with numbers increasing from 15,227 in 2022 to 16,736 in 2023. Additionally, minor injuries surged by 86%, going from 1,712 in 2022 to 3,186 in 2023.
The UPF emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address the root causes of these incidents and develop preventive measures. Vulnerable road users, including motorcycle riders, pedestrians, and pedal cyclists, account for 85% of road traffic deaths, according to the report. More than half of fatal crashes involved vehicles colliding with pedestrians or head-on collisions, with 72% of pedestrian deaths occurring while crossing or walking along roads.
The report also urged stakeholders—including the ministries of works and health, the UPF, civil society organizations, academia, and the general public—to work together to improve road safety. Suggested interventions include public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and infrastructure improvements to protect pedestrians and cyclists.
The report emphasized the need to adapt strategies based on the trends identified, advocating for a safe systems approach to significantly reduce road-related deaths and enhance the safety of all road users.
In a related response to the tragedy, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among expressed her condolences to the victims’ families. She acknowledged the frequency of such incidents and called for enhanced public awareness. “Over the last few years, we have witnessed similar cases,” she noted, referencing past incidents that resulted in significant loss of life.
Members of Parliament also voiced their concerns following the incident. Wakiso District Woman MP Betty Ethel Naluyima highlighted the urgent need for action to address dangerous spots on the Kampala-Bombo Road, while Nakaseke South MP Paulson Luttamaguzi urged for more fire brigade vehicles and compensation for the affected families.
Speaker Among assured the Parliament that compensation would be provided, but Buikwe South MP Dr. Lulume Bayiga raised concerns about the feasibility of such actions, given the limitations on Parliament’s appropriations.
To address the ongoing issues, Speaker Among instructed the House health committee to evaluate the condition of the victims and ensure that accurate information is communicated to the public.
