Police confirm fifth death in Bugweri taxi–train collision

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Police in Bugweri district have confirmed another death following the collision between a cargo train and a passenger taxi, bringing the total number of fatalities to five. Several other passengers remain in critical condition.

Speaking to New Vision on Monday (December 8), Busoga East police spokesperson Micheal Kasadha identified the deceased as Henry Kyaze, aged 29, a resident of Kasawo in Mukono; Imran Luwangula, aged two, from Bulangira in Luuka district; and Florence Nakamya, aged 40, from Mutakole in Butebo district.

Two other bodies remain unidentified.

Kasadha said the injured, who were taken to Iganga General Hospital for medical attention, include Zaituna Katoko, aged 30, from Bulangira in Luuka; Grace Hasahya, aged five, from Kaiti in Butalejja; Christine Nakirya, aged 40, also from Kaiti in Butalejja; Richard Osizi, aged 34, from Budadiri town council in Sironko district; Henry Kissa, aged 48, from Busiti in Sironko; and Fred Isooba, aged 49, from Kigulu in Iganga district.

Others are Jackiline Namulinda, aged 25, from Namalemba in Bugweri; Precious Ashaba, aged six, from Seeta-Bajo in Mukono; and Aaron Blessing, aged two, from Kabembe in Mukono.

He said the crash involved motor vehicle registration number UBN 282J, a Toyota Hiace (drone) taxi that was loaded with passengers. It collided with a moving cargo train on December 6, 2025, at around 2:50 pm.

The incident occurred at the Butongole railway crossing along the Mbale–Tirinyi–Iganga highway in Busembatya, Bugweri district. The taxi was heading towards Mbale and, upon approaching the railway crossing, rammed into the train.

Kasadha said police investigations are ongoing, as the driver of the taxi has not yet been identified. Police urged motorists and other road users to fully adhere to railway crossing signals.

Police officer killed in road crash

In a separate incident, Police in Bugweri district have also launched inquiries into a road crash that claimed the life of a police officer, Sergeant James Kirinde.



The officer died in a collision involving motor vehicle UAF 827H, an Isuzu Forward, and motorcycle registration number UFR 989S, a Bajaj Boxer. The incident occurred at Buseyi on the Iganga–Tororo highway.

Micheal Kasadha, the Busoga East spokesperson, told New Vision that preliminary investigations indicate that on December 5, 2025, at around 6:50 pm, both the motor vehicle and the motorcycle were travelling in the same direction towards Nakalama trading centre.

He said that upon reaching SANA Hotel, the motor vehicle hit the motorcycle from behind, killing Kirinde on the spot. Kirinde had been returning from Iganga Police Station after delivering the UACE examination papers he had escorted.

Kasadha added that the tragedy is a significant blow to the Uganda Police Force and a reminder of the risks officers face even while in transit. He said investigations are underway, with initial findings pointing to speeding and reckless driving as likely contributing factors.

He noted that the driver of motor vehicle UAF 827H fled the scene. The scene was visited by traffic officers from Iganga CPS, and the body was taken to Nakavule Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem. Both the motor vehicle and motorcycle were towed to Iganga Police Station.

Police urged all road users, especially heavy-duty truck drivers, to respect speed limits, avoid dangerous overtaking, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.