WAKISO – Tragedy struck in Wakiso District on Tuesday when a fuel tanker overturned and caught fire at Kigogwa Town along the Kampala-Bombo road in Matuga. The accident occurred at 3:00 PM, and reports indicate that several people may have lost their lives, while others have been injured.
According to Patrick Onyango, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, emergency responders swiftly sprang into action. “A multi-agency response team rushed to the scene, including fire brigade trucks, four 999 Patrol Cars, police ambulances, Red Cross ambulances, and sister security forces,” Onyango said.
The police spokesperson urged the public to follow official channels for updates on the situation. “Our thoughts are with the affected families and communities,” Onyango added.
This tragic incident is a stark reminder of Uganda’s road safety challenges. Uganda has consistently recorded high numbers of road accidents, resulting in significant loss of life and property. In 2022, 4,159 people died in road accidents, a 12% increase from 2021, while 13,441 people were injured.
Fuel tanker accidents have been particularly deadly, accounting for 15% of all fatal road accidents in 2022. The Kampala-Bombo road, where today’s accident occurred, is among the top 5 most accident-prone roads in Uganda.
Similar accidents have occurred in the past, resulting in devastating consequences. In 2020, a fuel tanker explosion in Kyambura, western Uganda, killed 19 people and injured 40. In 2019, a fuel tanker accident in Kampala’s Busega roundabout killed 7 people and injured 10. In 2018, a fuel tanker explosion in Seeta, Mukono District, killed 5 people and injured 15.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for improved road safety measures, including enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, increased public awareness campaigns, and improved emergency response infrastructure.
As the investigation into today’s accident unfolds, the cause remains unknown. However, the swift response of the emergency services is a testament to the efficiency of Uganda’s disaster response system.
