Fourteen people, including the taxi driver, died on the spot late Monday night in a devastating head-on collision between a passenger taxi and a sand-laden truck along the Kampala–Masaka Highway in Lwera Swamp, Kalungu District.
The accident occurred at approximately 11:00 p.m. (some reports say 11:40 p.m.) on August 3, 2026, at Kamuwunga (also referred to as Kamunga) Trading Centre. Police say a white Toyota Hiace taxi, registration number UA 662AQ, travelling from Kampala towards Masaka, collided head-on with a red Sino truck, registration number UBS 040F, which was transporting sand in the opposite direction.
According to preliminary findings by the Uganda Police Force, the truck driver reportedly attempted to avoid road humps installed on his lane due to ongoing road construction works. In the process, he swerved into the opposite lane and crashed into the oncoming taxi. The impact was so severe that the heavily loaded truck pushed the taxi backwards for about 30 metres from the point of collision.
All 14 fatalities were occupants of the taxi. The driver has been identified as Ssembatya Abdul Karim, a resident of Masaka City. Other victims named in early reports include Alice Gracious Alobo (30) from Opit Town Council in Omoro District; Joanita Natondwa (23) and Aidah Namajja (52), both of Masaka City; Lawrence Ssebuuma (34) from Kyotera District; Margaret Nabbosa (36) from Luwero District; Innocent Irora (39), an employee of Coca-Cola Namanve; a Police Sergeant identified as Nabukeya (service number 44616); and several others, including a juvenile girl. Full official identification of all victims is still being finalised pending post-mortem examinations.
Four people survived the crash with injuries — two from each vehicle — and were rushed to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for treatment. Greater Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson SP Twaha Kasirye confirmed that police officers visited the scene, documented the wreckage, and launched investigations.
The driver of the Sino truck fled the scene immediately after the collision. Police say efforts to trace and arrest him are ongoing, though one report indicated he may later have been identified among the injured at the hospital. Officials have not yet released his identity.
The Lwera stretch of the Kampala–Masaka Highway has long been regarded as a high-risk section due to its swampy terrain, frequent fog, and ongoing construction activities. This latest tragedy adds to a growing number of fatal road crashes recorded on Uganda’s major highways this year.
Police have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, especially at night, observe speed limits, and respect road construction signs and temporary traffic measures. Investigations into the exact cause of the accident continue, with a full report expected in the coming days.
Bodies of the deceased have been taken for post-mortem examinations. Families of the victims are being contacted as identification processes advance.