While confirming the accident, police in Uganda said the crash, involving a Jaguar Bus Company vehicle, registration number UBP 964T, occurred at 2 a.m. near Kabale-Bugonzi, close to Peak Eclat Primary School.
The bus was travelling from Kampala to Kigali, Rwanda, when it veered out of its lane and collided head-on with a Fuso truck, registration number UAV 988N.
Police said all the deceased were passengers on the bus. The victims have been identified as Moses Awinyi, Musa Munyanda, Steven Kayinamura, Edwin Tushabomwe, Liz Akaliza, Teopista Amalia, Evelyn Natukunda, and Acham.
An eyewitness told Uganda's Daily Monitor that the driver of the bus lost control, causing it to collide with the truck travelling from Masaka to Kampala.
"The bus overturned several times before swerving off the road and falling into a valley," the witness, identified as Sam Musoke, revealed.
According to the eyewitness, at least 40 injured persons were rushed to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for treatment by locals and a response team from the Uganda Red Cross Society and police.
Southern Regional Police Spokesperson Twaha Kasirye attributed the accident to speeding and warned motorists against the dangerous act.
"We continue to warn motorists against speeding. The accident occurred in the dark, and it is possible the bus driver had poor visibility, which impaired his decision-making and endangered the lives of those onboard," Kasirye stated.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
