(Nwoya) – Five tourists are receiving treatment at Anaka General Hospital in Nwoya District, Northern Uganda, after their vehicle overturned on Saturday evening. The incident occurred when the car they were traveling in hit a pothole on the Karuma-Pakwach road, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle, a Toyota Hiace with registration number UBL 104F, was transporting the group from Murchison Falls National Game Park back to Kampala.
The injured tourists include three American women and two Ugandans. Police have identified the injured as Emily Loper, 27; Jenifer Nasozi, 52; Hillary Ott Lodges, 48; Clayton Lopelo, 24; and Claris Mwesigwa. The crash occurred around Latoro Village in Got Apwoyo Sub County at approximately 4 p.m.
According to the Aswa West Police Spokesperson, David Ongom Mudong, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene and remains at large. In a statement issued on June 23, Mr. Mudong confirmed the details of the incident, stating that the vehicle hit a pothole, causing the driver to lose control and the car to overturn. The occupants were injured as a result of the crash.
The wreckage of the vehicle was taken to Nwoya Central Police Station for further investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that reckless driving contributed to the accident.
Key Details of the Incident | Information |
---|---|
Number of injured tourists | 5 (three Americans, two Ugandans) |
Location of the accident | Latoro Village, Got Apwoyo Sub County |
Time of the accident | Approximately 4 p.m. on June 22 |
Vehicle involved | Toyota Hiace, registration UBL 104F |
Cause of the accident | Vehicle hit a pothole, overturned |
Driver’s status | Fled the scene, remains at large |
Hospital where injured are treated | Anaka General Hospital, Nwoya District |
The Karuma-Pakwach road, where the accident took place, is a vital route connecting tourists to Murchison Falls National Game Park, a popular destination known for its diverse wildlife, including birds, aquatic species, and various plant life. The park attracts both local and international visitors, making safe transportation a critical concern.
The incident has raised concerns about the condition of the roads in the region, as potholes and other infrastructure issues continue to pose risks to travelers. Police have urged drivers to be cautious, especially when transporting tourists to and from the park, and to avoid reckless behavior that could endanger lives.
This is not the first time accidents have been reported on the Karuma-Pakwach road. Local authorities have long emphasized the need for improved road maintenance, given the heavy traffic from both local commuters and tourists visiting the park. However, recurring accidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by road users in the area.
Authorities are continuing their search for the driver, and further investigations into the incident are underway. In the meantime, the tourists remain under medical care, and the extent of their injuries is being assessed by hospital staff.