Last Updated on: 9th August 2023, 11:03 am
Manafwa | A single fatal crash occurred on August 8, 2023, at 10:00 pm at Kufu, along Manafwa-Mbale Road in Manafwa District.
The crash involved a vehicle with registration number UBJ 994J, a Tata Lorry owned by Bukusu Corporative Enterprise Ltd.
“It is alleged that the driver of the Tata Lorry, identified as Mr. Godmas Mamai, was transporting students from Nakhupa Primary School, while traveling at high speed.
“The vehicle lost control at Kufu along the Manafwa-Mbale Road and overturned. This unfortunate incident claimed the life of a 16-year-old pupil male juvenile, Naminayi Thomas on the spot. Additionally, 117 others sustained injuries,” Kananuru Micheal, PRO, Traffic and Road Safety said.
Kananuru says the injured have been rushed to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for medical attention, adding that the deceased’s body has also been taken to the same hospital for postmortem examination.
Uganda roads are the deadliest in Africa – with death rates extremely high.
Read more: Uganda’s global record: 79 die, 338 injured in July road crashes
The driver, Godmas Mamai is currently on the run.
Police say initial findings suggest that reckless speeding might have been the primary cause of the crash.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that trucks are not designed to transport passengers. Such accidents highlight the importance of adhering to safety regulations and guidelines,” Kananura Michael added.