news 5 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Reckless Driving Fuels Deadly Crashes on Mbale-Tirinyi Highway
Fatal accidents have spiked along the Mbale-Tirinyi Highway in eastern Uganda due to overspeeding, dangerous overtaking, and disregard for traffic rules. Police report four deadly incidents in April alone, killing seven and injuring dozens, prompting intensified enforcement. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/reckless-driving-blamed-for-surge-in-fatal-crashes-on-mbale-tirinyi-highway-5447344
Reckless driving is driving a sharp rise in fatal crashes along the Mbale-Tirinyi Highway, a vital route in eastern Uganda turning into a hotspot for road tragedies.
Traffic police highlight overspeeding, risky overtaking, and ignored regulations as main culprits behind the recent surge. Local leaders note frequent accidents on linked roads like Tirinyi-Pallisa-Kumi.
North Bukedi Regional Police spokesperson ASP Wilfred Kyempasa reported four fatal crashes in April, claiming seven lives. One at Mile Five in Kamonkoli, Budaka District, killed engineer Fred Tumusime and resident Agali Kanyago when a vehicle (UBE 954L) struck their motorcycle (UGE 126Z).
Other tragedies include a hit-and-run at Jami Mile Eight killing a middle-aged man, another in Pallisa District claiming John Olupot’s life, and a Mile Nine crash injuring over 40 pupils from Iki-Iki Secondary School, including 17-year-old Linda Babirye. Separate incidents in Akutai village killed two Kadusok Primary pupils, while a Limoto hit-and-run took two lives, including a four-year-old.
Kyempasa blames speeding, drunk driving, and rising traffic volumes. “Avoid overspeeding and risky behavior,” he urged, announcing stricter measures like more roadblocks, checks, speed monitors, and safety campaigns.
He stressed shared responsibility, urging better infrastructure, signage, and driver training. Residents view these accidents as a top safety threat amid growing vehicle numbers from imports and road expansions.
Source: Daily Monitor