Six Killed in Deadly Fuel Tanker and Taxi Crash on Masaka–Mutukula Highway in Kyotera
KYOTERA, Uganda — Six people have lost their lives following a horrific road crash involving a fuel tanker and a passenger taxi along the Masaka–Mutukula Highway in Kyotera District.
The fatal accident occurred on Wednesday morning at Botera Trading Centre when a Tanzanian-registered HINO fuel tanker, registration numbers T813DYP/T251DZH, crashed into a Toyota Hiace taxi, registration number UBH 378W, that had reportedly stopped by the roadside to drop off a passenger.
According to eyewitnesses, the fuel tanker was travelling from Masaka towards the Mutukula border when the driver allegedly lost control and rammed into the rear of the taxi, causing extensive damage and multiple fatalities.
Residents who rushed to the scene described the crash as devastating.
“We heard a loud bang and rushed to the scene. The taxi was completely crushed. It was a terrifying sight. From what we observed, the tanker driver appeared to have dozed off,” one eyewitness said.
Other residents blamed reckless driving and speeding by operators of heavy commercial vehicles along the busy highway.
“Many truck drivers drive at high speeds and pay little attention to smaller vehicles. Some sections of the road are also dangerous and contribute to accidents,” another resident noted.
Police officers quickly responded to the scene, retrieving the bodies of the deceased and transporting survivors to Kalisizo Hospital for emergency treatment.
The Greater Masaka Regional Police spokesperson, Twaha Kasirye, confirmed the incident and said preliminary investigations suggest reckless driving may have contributed to the crash.
“Six people died as a result of the accident. Five victims died instantly at the scene, while one later succumbed to injuries at Kalisizo Hospital,” Kasirye said.
Police identified three of the deceased as Resty Naluwooza, 40, Maxy Nalubega, 28, and Noelina Nayiga, 60. The identities of the remaining victims were still being verified at the time of publication.
Kasirye urged all road users to observe traffic regulations and exercise caution while travelling.
“We continue to appeal to motorists to avoid speeding and reckless driving. Road users must remain vigilant and adhere to traffic laws to prevent such tragic incidents,” he added.
Both the fuel tanker and the taxi have been towed away for mechanical inspection as investigators work to establish the exact circumstances that led to the crash.
“The vehicles have been taken for inspection to assist with ongoing investigations,” Kasirye said.
Meanwhile, scenes of grief unfolded at Kalisizo Hospital as relatives gathered to identify victims and check on survivors receiving treatment. Several of the injured were reported to be in critical condition due to the severity of the impact.
One grieving family member described the loss as heartbreaking.
“We received a call informing us that our relative had been involved in an accident. When we arrived at the hospital, we were told she had passed away. It is very painful,” the relative said.
Police said postmortem examinations are underway before the bodies are released to their families for burial.
Road Safety Concerns on Masaka–Mutukula Highway
The latest tragedy has reignited concerns over road safety on the Masaka–Mutukula Highway, a major transport corridor linking Uganda and Tanzania.
The route carries heavy volumes of cargo trucks, fuel tankers and passenger vehicles and has witnessed several fatal accidents in recent years. Authorities have frequently attributed these crashes to speeding, dangerous overtaking, reckless driving and driver fatigue.
Road safety advocates are now calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and increased monitoring of commercial vehicles using the highway to reduce the growing number of road fatalities.
