Five people have been confirmed dead following a tragic road accident along the Kiziranfumbi-Kabale Road in Kikuube district.

The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday night at Kisambu Cell when a Toyota drone taxi collided head-on with an unidentified tractor, leaving several people dead at the scene.

According to police reports, the taxi, registration number UA 535BL, was travelling from Kiziranfumbi towards Kabale when it collided with the tractor that was coming from the opposite direction.

The crash claimed the lives of four men and one woman, who all died instantly due to the impact of the collision.

Albertine Regional Police spokesperson SP Hakiza Julius Allan confirmed the incident, saying it happened at around 8:30pm along the busy road.

Hakiza said the tractor was moving from Kabale towards Kiziranfumbi when the two vehicles collided in a devastating head-on crash.

He revealed that the tractor driver abandoned the scene immediately after the accident and disappeared before police arrived.

Police said efforts were underway to identify and apprehend the driver to help establish the exact circumstances that led to the deadly collision.

Kikuube District Police Commander SP Barugahare Kyoto Abel visited the accident scene together with other police officers shortly after receiving reports about the crash.

The police team examined the scene, collected evidence, recorded statements from witnesses and secured the damaged taxi for further inspection.

The bodies of the deceased were later transported to Kikuube Health Centre IV mortuary where postmortem examinations were expected to be carried out.

Police said preliminary findings indicate that reckless driving may have contributed to the accident.

Authorities warned motorists against dangerous driving behaviours, including overspeeding and failure to observe road safety regulations.

SP Hakiza urged drivers to always exercise caution while using roads, especially at night when visibility is reduced and the risk of accidents increases.

He also condemned the habit of some drivers fleeing accident scenes, saying such actions delay investigations and deny victims timely assistance.

Police appealed to members of the public with information about the unidentified tractor or its driver to come forward and assist investigators.

The Kiziranfumbi-Kabale Road has previously experienced road crashes, raising concerns among residents and road users about safety along the route.

Local communities have continued calling for increased vigilance among motorists and stronger enforcement of traffic regulations.

Authorities said identifying the tractor driver remains a key priority as investigations into the accident continue.

The tragic incident has left families mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones while police continue working to establish more details surrounding the crash.

Police encouraged all road users to prioritize safety, avoid risky driving practices and respect traffic laws to prevent further loss of lives.

The accident adds to growing concerns over road safety in Uganda, where reckless driving and speeding remain among the leading causes of fatal crashes.