Driver on the run after seven pedestrians killed in Mbarara–Bushenyi Road crash

SHEEMA - Seven people died on the spot, and two others sustained serious injuries after a speeding vehicle rammed into pedestrians along the Mbarara–Bushenyi highway in Sheema district on Saturday.

The fatal accident occurred at around 6:30am at Rushara in Kabwohe division, Sheema Municipality.

An eyewitness said a Toyota Fielder (UA 702DL) lost control and ploughed into a group of pedestrians who were returning home from overnight prayers.

The victims had reportedly attended services at St Rose Catholic Church and Bethel International Ministries (BBMI) in Kabwohe town.

Nsimire Maria Respa, a resident of Kachwamba in Mukinga, and one of the survivors, said the vehicle was moving at a high speed before the driver lost control.

“The vehicle was speeding. It first knocked a child, before ramming into a group of women who were walking along the road,” she said.

Seven pedestrians who were not immediately identified died instantly.

The injured survivors were identified as 15-year-old Bimanywamukama Bruno and Namanya Victor, 12, both residents of Kachwamba.

They sustained serious injuries and were taken to Bushenyi Medical Centre for treatment.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to Kabwohe Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examination.

Confirming the incident, Sheema District Police Commander Kasule Consilata attributed the crash to speeding.

She said investigations into the crash were underway and that the hunt was on for the runaway driver.