A tragic road traffic accident on the Masaka–Mbarara Highway early Saturday, December 27, 2025, resulted in the deaths of seven members of the same family, Police Traffic spokesperson Michael Kananura has confirmed.

The fatal crash occurred at around 4:30 a.m. at Njagalakasayi, a busy stretch of the highway known for frequent accidents. The collision involved a Fuso Fighter truck and a Toyota Fielder.

According to Kananura, preliminary investigations indicate that the Toyota Fielder, traveling from Masaka, attempted to overtake a queue of vehicles when it collided head-on with the oncoming Fuso truck.

“All seven occupants of the Toyota Fielder died on the spot,” Kananura said. He revealed that the victims included a man, his wife, their four children, and the man’s brother, leaving the local community in shock and mourning.

The Police Traffic spokesperson urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on Uganda’s highways, particularly at night when visibility is limited. “We call upon all road users to avoid reckless overtaking, especially at night, and to ensure they are well-rested to prevent fatigue-related crashes,” Kananura added.

This incident is a stark reminder of the high number of road accidents occurring on major Ugandan highways. Authorities continue to stress the importance of observing speed limits, maintaining vehicles in good condition, and avoiding dangerous maneuvers like overtaking in unsafe conditions.

The Masaka–Mbarara Highway has been a hotspot for road accidents over the years, with multiple incidents reported involving both private vehicles and commercial trucks. Safety campaigns by the Uganda Police Force and other road safety organizations have highlighted the dangers of night driving, speeding, and overtaking in risky conditions.

Local residents expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the family, noting that such tragedies have a profound impact on communities along the highway. Authorities are continuing investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash and to enforce stricter road safety measures in the area.

This heartbreaking accident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures, better traffic management, and public awareness campaigns to prevent further loss of lives on Uganda’s highways.