some of the pictures that were found in the mini-bus where the occupants all Tanzanian nationals who had on Saturday attended a wedding at All Saints Cathedral Nakasero in Kampala of medical students Tresha Ibingira and Annet Tewo. However, on their way back to Tanzania tragedy struck. 12 relatives and friends of the bride died on the spot when a fuso truck crammed into their minibus at about 10 pm. Those who died included the bride’s elder brother, two grandparents and six aunties. “Now out of 19 who were in that costa, 12 are dead. We have not identified who is who, we have a list of names.” Said, Phillip Mukasa – Police Spokesperson, Katonga Region. The turn boy of the fuso truck died while it’s driver sustained injuries.

Eye witnesses blamed the accident on the truck driver. “The truck which was coming from Masaka got a puncture and its driver lost control. He collided with the mini-bus.” “The truck dragged the mini-bus for some distance up to this position.” Front efforts then began to save the 7 survivors trapped inside the mini-bus. “We saved two people immediately, a man and woman.” “Then we used axes to cut into the wreckage to save other people.” More work had to be put in to remove the truck that was overloaded with scrap from the scene of the accident. This had created a feeling that maybe overloading it could have also contributed to this fatal accident. “This thing is too heavy, this vehicle is supposed to carry 25 tons and it’s here with 40 tons with scrap on board.” Said the Katonga Region Police Spokesperson.

Phillip Mukasa the Police Publicist in Katonga Region while blaming the tire bust for the accident said the Police’s investigations would also focus on the weight of the load that the truck carried. “I cannot think it is possible to pass a weigh bridge with all this on board, and it’s extremely impossible.” Said the Police Publicist. There was a build of traffic along the Kampala – Masaka Highway as the Police struggled to remove the vehicle. The Kampala – Masaka Highway is one of the country’s most dangerous highways recording at least 200 deaths annually. The Police re-launched its operation Fika Salama to reduce carnage on the major highways in the country’s roads this year. However, these latest deaths could put into question the manner in which the operation was being conducted.