KIRUHURA, Uganda – A road crash has left eight people dead and one critically injured after a Toyota Hiacei rammed into a trailer along the Mbarara–Lyantonde highway in Kiruhura District, western Uganda.
The accident happened on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m. at Kibega I Village. Police said a white Toyota Hiace, registration UBQ 016U, was traveling from Mbarara toward Lyantonde when it attempted to overtake another vehicle. In the process, it collided head on with an oncoming Mercedes Benz Actros trailer, registration KDQ 668L/ZH 5133.
According to preliminary police findings, the taxi was overtaking when it rammed into the trailer, which was coming from the opposite direction. Authorities said the crash may have occurred at a section of the road with limited visibility. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
All eight people who died were passengers in the Toyota Hiace. One survivor was rushed to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in critical condition. The bodies were taken for postmortem examinations as police notified families.
The vehicles involved in the crash have been impounded for inspection by traffic investigators.
Among the dead was Julius Kitone, a multimedia journalist with NBS Television under Next Media Services, who is described as hardworking and passionate, known for his coverage of politics, elections and climate issues. He was in his early 30s.
Kitone also contributed to Nile Post and served as executive director of Africa Climate Resilience, where he focused on environmental reporting and community resilience. His death sent shockwaves through the media fraternity, with journalists and media houses paying tribute to what they called a promising career cut short.
Uganda continues to record a high number of road crashes each year, often linked to speeding, dangerous overtaking and poor vehicle maintenance. Major highways, including the Mbarara–Lyantonde route, remain accident prone corridors.
Police urged motorists to observe traffic rules, avoid reckless overtaking and exercise caution, especially during evening hours when visibility may be reduced.
