Scores Hospitalized in Deadly Arua Road Traffic Crash

 

By Mike Rwothomio

Multiple traders have been admitted to Arua  Hospital following road traffic crash  involving a fuso Lory  that failed to ascend a steep gradient, resulting in a rollback and overturn.

The harrowing incident occurred on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Odrani Village along the Vurra-Kampala Market Road in Arua District.

West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SP Collins Asea confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the transmission system of the Fuso registration number UBG 752W, reportedly  failed while navigating a steep section of the roadway.

“The territorial traffic police at Arua Vurra Central Police Station have recorded a serious road traffic accident  at Odrani Village along the Vurra-Kampala Market Road involving a motor vehicle, registration number UBG 752W, Fuso HGV,” Asea’s statement read in part.

He added, “Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle’s transmission system malfunctioned while ascending a steep gradient, causing it to roll backward. Passengers who attempted to evacuate by jumping from the vehicle sustained injuries and were promptly transported to Arua  Hospital for medical treatment.”

Police have cautioned HGV operators against carrying passengers in the cargo area of commercial vehicles, stating that this practice violates the Traffic and Road Safety Act.

The 2024 Uganda Police Annual Crime Report recorded 5,144 road traffic fatalities, an increase from 4,806 in 2023. Additionally, 17,013 individuals sustained serious injuries in road traffic collisions in 2024. The report further notes a 6.4% rise in reported collisions, from 23,608 in 2023 to 25,107 in 2024.