The number of people feared dead following a tragic accident at Karuma Bridge in Nwoya District is expected to rise to seven after a truck plunged into the River Nile on Tuesday morning. The incident involved a Fuso truck, registration number UAY 284Q, which was transporting maize from Lelabaro Trading Centre in Omoro District to parts of Central Uganda.

Police traffic authorities in Nwoya say the vehicle had been cleared earlier at the Karuma–Pakwach junction before it veered off course. According to Kasule Ogwal, the District Officer in Charge of Traffic, the truck struck the left side of the newly installed guard rail before plunging into the fast-flowing waters below.

Earlier police information suggested that only three people were on board. However, updated details provided by Aswa West Police Spokesperson David Ongom Mudong indicate that at least six individuals were in the truck when it departed Lelabaro Trading Centre. These included the driver and four loaders, all residents of the trading centre. Police have since received additional information suggesting that another woman may also have been inside the vehicle, raising the possible number of occupants to seven.

Mudong revealed that the driver, identified as Okello Jamal, was allegedly heavily intoxicated at the time of the journey. He added that the owner of the maize reportedly attempted to stop him from driving, but the warning was ignored. The other occupants have been identified as Sunday, Moze, Opiyo, and Onek, all described as brokers operating in Lelabaro Trading Centre in Omoro District.

Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, with Ogwal confirming that one body has so far been retrieved from the river, while the rest of the occupants remain missing. Portions of the submerged vehicle can still be seen in the River Nile as rescue teams continue their work. Authorities from the Ministry of Works and Transport, alongside the Police Marine Unit, have been alerted to assist in the operation.

Police say investigations are underway to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.

The accident comes nearly a year after the Ministry of Works and Transport carried out safety upgrades at Karuma Bridge, including the replacement of guard rails and the installation of parapet walls aimed at preventing vehicles from plunging into the river. Street lighting was also added to enhance visibility for motorists, particularly during nighttime travel.