A devastating road crash along the Fort Portal–Kasese highway has claimed the lives of five individuals from Fins Medical University in Fort Portal City, including both students and staff members.
According to Rwenzori West Police Spokesperson Vincent Twesige, the accident occurred on Saturday night at approximately 10:50 PM.
It involved an Isuzu bus, registration number UBQ 993G, operated by Skies Bus Company, and a Toyota Hiace van, registration number UAQ 436Q, belonging to Fins Medical University.
Twesige explained that the two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when they side-swiped while trying to navigate a narrow section of the road.
The impact caused the university van, which was carrying eight people, to lose control and overturn multiple times before coming to rest in the middle of the road.
Five occupants of the van died on the spot, while three others sustained serious injuries. The bus driver suffered minor injuries, and all passengers on board the bus escaped unharmed.
Patrick Ruhweza, the University Secretary at Fins Medical University, confirmed that the deceased were returning from a medical outreach camp held at Busita Playground in Bunyangabu District.
He identified the deceased as Gerald Muhumuza, a professional nurse; James Kato, a support staff member; Meddy Tusime, the van driver; and two nursing students, Pauson Amanya and Trust Koshaba.
Ruhweza added that the injured individuals, identified as Matiya Businge, Everest Kugonza, and John Calvin Omasege, are currently receiving treatment at Great Lakes International Hospital and Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. Police say investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.