Africa-Press – Uganda. A tour van that police had flagged for dangerous and illegal conduct crashed on Sunday evening in Mpigi District, killing one person and injuring six others—just hours after police had issued a public warning over its recklessness.
The accident occurred at around 5:45pm at Lwafumu Forest along the Bunjako–Buwama road, according to a statement by Traffic and Road Safety Directorate spokesperson Michael Kananura.
The van, a Toyota Drone registration number UBM 672G, was reportedly speeding and carrying partygoers in dangerously unsafe positions when it lost control, struck a pavement, and overturned.
“One person has been confirmed dead and six others injured,” Kananura said on Monday morning, adding that the driver of the van fled the scene and is currently on the run.
The crash came shortly after police had publicly raised the alarm about the same vehicle.
On Sunday, Kananura had taken to social media with a sharp rebuke of the conduct exhibited in viral footage showing revellers dangerously perched atop the moving van.
“What makes you risk your life so recklessly?” he posted, sharing a video showing the group ignoring safety norms and police orders.
“Do you really need Police to remind you that your life is in danger?”
According to police, the van had earlier been intercepted at Lungala along the Kampala–Masaka highway in Mpigi District, where officers attempted to stop it along with three other vehicles—UBG 649K, UBM 631E, and UAR 351Z—for multiple traffic violations.
These included operating without a valid operator’s licence, carrying passengers in unsafe positions, reckless driving, and concealing registration plates.
While three of the vehicles complied and their drivers were detained at Mpigi Police Station, the driver of UBM 672G and others defied orders and continued on the road.
“Thanks to concerned road users who provided video evidence and information,” Kananura said on Sunday.
“Both the drivers and passengers involved have been charged and the vehicles impounded at Mpigi Police.”
By Monday, the reality of ignoring those directives had turned tragic.
“The driver was speeding and carrying passengers in a dangerously unsafe manner,” Kananura reiterated.
“This is a stark reminder that what may appear to be an inconvenience—such as being stopped by traffic police—could actually be a critical, life-saving intervention.”
He issued a stern warning to all drivers and vehicle operators who continue to endanger lives through reckless conduct, saying that police are closely monitoring road activity, especially during this festive season.
“We are aware of the season, but public safety must not be compromised,” he said. “We urge all road users to prioritise safety and value their lives and those of others. Let us work together to prevent avoidable tragedies.”
Police are continuing to investigate the incident and have launched a manhunt for the driver of the van. The injured passengers were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment, though their conditions were not immediately disclosed.
The fatal crash has once again thrown a spotlight on road safety in Uganda, especially during weekends and public holidays when celebratory convoys, party vans, and high-speed trips often lead to deadly outcomes.
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