By Eumu Emmanuel
In a dramatic incident on Sunday evening, a fuel tanker carrying 35,000 liters of diesel overturned in Dokolo District, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic head-on collision. The single-vehicle accident occurred at approximately 6:25 PM at Olweny Swamp along the Soroti-Lira Road, highlighting the risks that drivers face on Uganda’s narrow highways.
The fuel tanker, a Benz with registration number KBN 694F/ZE 9499, is owned by Kenya’s KEN-GAS Company and was en route from Eldoret, Kenya, to Southern Sudan. Hassan Samson, a resident of Gerissa, Eldoret, was driving the tanker at the time of the incident. According to police reports, the accident was triggered when an oncoming car veered into Samson’s lane while attempting an overtaking maneuver. To avoid a direct collision, Samson made a sharp steering move, causing the heavy vehicle to lose control and overturn into the waterlogged area, damaging its water pipes in the process.
Local authorities, led by Inspector of Police Gawona Abel from Dokolo Central Police Station, swiftly responded to the scene. “Our focus now is on clearing the scene and minimizing any environmental impacts on Olweny Swamp,” said IP Gawona, acknowledging the concerns surrounding potential diesel spillage. “Though it remains under control as of now, environmental safety is a top priority,” he added.
This accident has amplified calls from residents for better road safety measures and infrastructure improvements. The narrow lanes and limited overtaking opportunities along the Soroti-Lira Road pose significant challenges for drivers, contributing to frequent accidents.
The incident has been registered under case number TAR 69/2024 and remains under investigation. The traffic authorities continue to urge drivers to exercise extreme caution, particularly on busy and constricted roadways. Efforts are underway to clear the wreckage and ensure the safe resumption of travel along this vital East African transport link.
The Soroti-Lira Road is an essential corridor for the transportation of fuel and other cargo across the region, making safety enhancements crucial to prevent future mishaps and ensure the well-being of both drivers and local communities.