Two Dead, 13 Injured in Jaguar Bus–Trailer Crash on Masaka–Mbarara Highway

Two people have died and 13 others sustained injuries following a collision involving a Jaguar Bus Company bus and a trailer along the Masaka–Mbarara Highway.

The crash happened at about 3:45 am on Thursday at Katuba Village, roughly one kilometre from Mbirizi Town in Lwengo District. The bus, which was travelling from Kampala to western Uganda, reportedly collided with a trailer that was moving from Mbarara to Kampala.

Eyewitnesses said some passengers on the bus were heading to Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while others were travelling to Rwanda.

An eyewitness, Mr Hassan Mbazira, said the accident occurred at around 3:45 am and alleged that some first responders focused on looting instead of helping survivors.

“Police delayed getting to the crash scene, and some heartless residents took advantage to steal whatever they found instead of helping the survivors,” he said.

Southern Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr Twaha Kasirye, confirmed the incident, noting that the deceased were female passengers who have not yet been identified.He added that 13 injured passengers—nine males and four females—were rushed to different health facilities for treatment.

Mr Kasirye also cautioned motorists against speeding, especially at night and during adverse weather conditions, saying it remains a leading cause of road crashes.

“Speeding remains one of the major risk factors for motor crashes, but it is even more dangerous at night or when it is raining. Road users should be cautious to avoid losing lives,” he said.

He further confirmed that the wreckage of both vehicles was towed to Mbirizi Police Station as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.

According to the 2025 police report, road traffic deaths in Uganda rose to 5,383, averaging about 15 fatalities per day.