GOMBA. What was meant to be joyful journey to a wedding ceremony has turned ugly after six people died and nine others injured in a motor crash along the Sembabule–Kampala highway in Gomba District .
The tragedy happened at Lumanyo Village as the victims travelling in a commuter taxi registration number UAX 788DJ, commonly known as Air Force One, from Sembabule District heading to Nakasongola District to attend a wedding ceremony .The driver of the ill-fated taxi reportedly lost control before overturning violently in the middle of the road.
According to residents who witnessed the crash, the accident happened at around 5:00am.
One resident described the terrifying moment the crash occurred.
“I had just woken up and stepped outside when I heard a loud crashing sound. At first, I thought it was thunder, but when I looked closely, I saw a vehicle rolling repeatedly on the road while on fire,” the witness said.
Another eyewitness said the impact sounded like a gunshot explosion.
“The sound was extremely frightening. People began screaming for help as the vehicle overturned several times. Some passengers were thrown out through the windows while others remained trapped inside crying for help,” the resident said.
Witnesses said the taxi rolled several times before eventually landing upside down with its wheels facing upwards.
Residents rushed to rescue survivors from the wreckage, but described the scene as horrific.
“Some victims had already died on the spot. One person’s leg had been severed and was found where the vehicle rolled. Others were trapped inside the wreckage, while another victim was pinned beneath the vehicle with only one arm visible,” one resident said.
Angry locals accused police and government authorities of delaying emergency response efforts, arguing that some victims could have survived had help arrived earlier.
“The accident happened at around 5:00am. We called the police and nearby health centres immediately and tried to rescue people ourselves. But honestly, some of those who died would still be alive if police at Maddu and Kajumiro had responded quickly with vehicles to rush the injured to hospital,” another resident said.
Residents also lamented the absence of an ambulance in the district.
“Gomba District has no ambulance. We even tried calling the one reportedly provided through Woman MP Sylvia, but it was unavailable. President Museveni’s farm is nearby, yet we still have no emergency services. Our people are dying helplessly like chicken. We appeal to government to provide an ambulance for Gomba,” a resident said.
According to police, six people have so far been confirmed dead.
The deceased whose identities have been established include Kellen, 40, Scovia, 30, Mujuli Livingston, 40, and Kelere George, 50, while two other victims had not yet been identified by press time.
Nine survivors, including the driver, are currently receiving treatment at various health facilities.
Police said the wreckage of the taxi was towed to Kajumiro Police Station, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Gombe General Hospital Mortuary for autopsy examinations.