KASSANDA DISTRICT: February 09, 2026— The death toll from the horrific road accident that occurred Sunday evening at Kyakatebe village has officially risen to eight, police confirmed on Monday.
The Wamala Region Police Spokesperson, SSP Lameck Kigozi, issued a statement today revealing that two more people succumbed to their injuries following the head-on collision between a Link bus (UBE 535H) and a Toyota Hiace taxi (UBQ 154R).
According to preliminary reports and eyewitness accounts, the Toyota Hiace was traveling from the Mityana side and attempted to overtake another vehicle. This maneuver resulted in a direct head-on collision with the oncoming Link bus, which was en route to Kampala.
Most of the deceased have now been identified as residents of Bunyangabu District. The police released the following names of those who lost their lives:
- Vumulia Richard (36), Kasunganyanja, Bunyangabu.
- Nankya Anita (34), Rwimi T/C, Bunyangabu.
- Katusime Esther (15), Nsakasa, Bunyangabu.
- Tusingwire James, Bunjojo, Bunyangabu.
- Atuhwire Phiona (39), Ruti, Mbarara City.
- Atugonza Janat (40), Bunyangabu.
- Ahura Rined (5), Bunyangabu.
- Kabaitalya Christine (55), Bunyangabu.
The bodies are currently at the Kiganda Health Center IV mortuary, and police have appealed to relatives to come forward for identification and collection.
Four victims remain hospitalized at Mityana Hospital. Among them is 38-year-old Muganzi Robert, while the identities of two other male adults are yet to be established.
The police have also identified the driver of the Link bus as Musota Sulaiman, a resident of Muduuma in Mpigi District. However, the driver of the taxi—who police say is “largely responsible” for the crash—is still on the run. While he survived the impact, his identity remains unknown.
The fact that six of the eight victims hailed from Bunyangabu District suggests a community hit particularly hard by this tragedy. Investigations are ongoing, and police have promised to update the public as more details emerge.