By Patriot Corps
The community has long raised concerns about the dangerous stretch of road in Kigogwa, Wakiso District, where nearly three people lose their lives each week to road accidents. Those fears materialized into a horrific tragedy on Monday when a fuel tanker explosion claimed 15 lives and left 24 others injured.
The accident occurred when a Toyota Harrier made a sudden sharp turn towards Buwambo Road, forcing the tanker driver to swerve to avoid hitting a boda boda stage. Losing control, the tanker overturned, spilling fuel, which ignited moments later. Many rushed to the scene to collect the leaking petrol, only to be caught in the deadly explosion.
Eleven people died instantly, and four more succumbed to their injuries at Kiruddu Hospital, where 15 remain in critical condition in the ICU, and nine others are being treated in the hospital’s general ward.
Wakiso RDC Justine Mbabazi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and assured the public that efforts are underway to fully assess the scale of the tragedy. “It is so sad that we lost people in this preventable accident. The police are working hard to provide an accurate count of casualties, and the government will support affected families,” Mbabazi said.
Wakiso Woman MP Hon. Betty Esther Naluyima urged Ugandans to avoid accident scenes, especially those involving fuel tankers, and highlighted the need for improved fire safety infrastructure in the region. “We can’t keep relying on Kampala’s fire brigade. We need local fire points in Wakiso to respond to emergencies faster,” she stressed.
**A Dangerous Road**
Residents of Kigogwa have long voiced concerns about the high number of accidents on the steep, accident-prone stretch between Kigogwa 15 and Kigogwa 16. Wakiso District Councilor Hon. Hussein Kivumbi Balinya emphasized the urgent need for safety improvements, including the installation of speed bumps. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had vehicles collapse here, but this fuel tanker explosion has drawn national attention,” he said.
The road, which connects Kigogwa to several educational institutions, including YMCA Buwambo Campus and Rannet Junior School, has seen other serious accidents, including one involving NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja in 2015. The latest incident has reignited calls for improved road safety, better regulation of heavy vehicles, and local firefighting resources.
Authorities are continuing investigations and have urged the public to steer clear of accident scenes to allow emergency responders to work without hindrance.
Source: Chimp reports.