(Kampala) – Families of the victims who died in a tragic fuel tanker explosion that occurred in Kigoogwa, Wakiso District, have received UGX 5 million each from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The accident, which happened on October 22, 2024, left 15 people dead and 24 others critically injured, who are now receiving treatment at Kiruddu Hospital in Kampala.
The incident involved a fuel tanker, registration number UAM 292Q, which veered off the road and crashed into buildings before bursting into flames. Many of the victims were locals who rushed to collect leaking fuel from the tanker when it exploded. Minister of State for National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, said that the president extended financial assistance to the bereaved families to help with burial arrangements. Those nursing injuries have received UGX 1 million to assist with medical costs.
Kabbyanga shared this information while addressing the media on October 23, 2024, at the Uganda Media Centre. He expressed deep sorrow on behalf of President Museveni and the Cabinet over the loss of lives in the accident.
The accident occurred on the Kampala-Bombo Road in Kigoogwa town. According to Kabbyanga, the president’s financial assistance is meant to help the affected families recover, and more support will be provided, including compensation for those who lost property in the fire.
“We are conducting investigations, and we assure the affected families that the government will not abandon them. This includes providing assistance to those who lost their property, such as houses or vehicles,” Kabbyanga said.
The police are still working on identifying the victims. Some bodies were severely burnt, making identification difficult. DNA testing will be conducted to help families claim the remains of their loved ones. Kabbyanga called on parents and relatives of the deceased to come forward and assist in the identification process.
Information and National Guidance State Minister Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo warned the public against rushing to accident scenes, particularly to steal or collect goods, without considering the risks. She noted that many people lost their lives because they tried to take advantage of the accident without understanding the dangers involved.
Ssebugwawo also criticized reckless driving on the country’s roads, which she said is a leading cause of road accidents. She urged drivers to adhere to traffic rules and be mindful of pedestrians and other road users. She also advised the public to immediately alert the police in case of accidents to prevent further loss of life.
The driver of the fuel tanker, who reportedly jumped from the vehicle before the explosion, remains at large.
| Details of the Incident | Date | Casualties | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel tanker explosion | October 22, 2024 | 15 dead | 24 injured |
