Tragedy in Hoima: Fuso Truck Overturns, Leaves 19 Dead, 13 Injured
A grim road tragedy struck the Hoima–Bulisa Road on Tuesday night, August 5, 2025, when a Fuso truck carrying market vendors overturned at Kigorobya, claiming 19 lives and leaving 13 others injured.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 PM. According to police reports, the Fuso Fighter truck, registration number UBB 639W, was transporting vendors from Wanseko–Buliisa Market. The vehicle reportedly failed to ascend a steep slope, rolled backwards, and overturned, resulting in one of the deadliest traffic accidents in the region in recent months.
All 19 victims were confirmed dead at the scene. The 13 injured passengers were swiftly transported to nearby health facilities, with conditions ranging from minor to critical.
Police spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, SP Michael Kananura, confirmed the death toll and noted that the bodies of the deceased had been taken to Hoima City Mortuary for postmortem examinations.
“Preliminary investigations suggest mechanical failure,” SP Kananura stated. “We suspect the vehicle was not roadworthy, and we urge transporters to avoid using cargo trucks for human transport.”
He emphasized that the continued use of cargo trucks to ferry people—especially during market days—remains a major public safety concern in rural Uganda (UG).
Authorities have opened a full investigation to determine whether the driver, whose identity has not yet been released, will face charges. The focus of the investigation includes overloading, possible brake failure, and other potential safety violations.
This tragic event adds to a growing number of fatal accidents involving trucks repurposed for passenger transport, despite the existence of laws prohibiting such practices.
Police are now urging the public, particularly traders and drivers, to avoid shortcuts that compromise safety.
“Lives should not be lost because of negligence,” SP Kananura reiterated.
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