By Kyotera, Uganda – Tragedy struck early Saturday morning when a speeding Tanzanian-bound cargo trailer rammed into a stationary Uganda Police Force truck, killing one officer on the spot and injuring three others along the Mutukula–Kyotera road.
According to SP Michael Kananura, the Public Relations Officer of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the deadly collision occurred at about 4:00 a.m. near Kasanvu checkpoint, involving a police Land Cruiser (UP 2914 T) and a Mercedes-Benz trailer (T824 DXF/T529 EFJ).
“The crash happened when the trailer, traveling at high speed, lost control and rammed into the police vehicle parked by the roadside with officers on board. The impact was so severe that the trailer came to rest on top of the police truck,” SP Kananura said.
The police driver died instantly, while three other officers sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to a nearby health facility for emergency treatment.
Investigations revealed that the trailer was being driven by the turn-man, while the licensed driver was resting at the time of the crash. The turn-man was apprehended at the scene, but the main driver reportedly fled and is now being hunted by police.
SP Kananura condemned the increasing trend of allowing untrained assistants to operate heavy trucks, warning that such negligence continues to cause fatal road accidents.
“We appeal to all road users, especially truck drivers, to adhere to speed limits and exercise maximum caution, particularly at night when visibility is low. Stop the reckless practice of training turn-men on the road — it endangers lives,” he urged.
The Uganda Police Force has since extended its condolences to the family of the deceased officer and reaffirmed its commitment to road safety enforcement and justice for the fallen colleague.
