Early this morning, tragedy struck in Sheema District as two young sisters were fatally knocked down by a speeding truck whose driver fled the scene.
The heartbreaking incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. in Ryensiibo II Cell, Rweibare Ward, Kakindo Town Council, leaving the local community in deep shock and mourning.
According to the Greater Bushenyi Region Police spokesperson, SSP Martial Tumusiime, the victims were aged six and two years.
They were walking with their mother along the roadside when a white Isuzu Forward truck, registration number UAX 678W, lost control and veered off the road, crashing into the children.
“This is a very unfortunate and painful tragedy,” Tumusiime said. “Preliminary investigations indicate the driver lost control of the vehicle and drove off the road before fatally striking the juveniles.”
Witnesses say the truck was moving from Kabwohe towards Kakindo when it suddenly swerved and plowed into the family. Residents rushed to the scene in hopes of saving the victims, but both girls died on the spot due to severe injuries.
The unidentified driver reportedly fled immediately after the accident, abandoning the vehicle a few meters away. Police have since towed the truck to Kakindo Police Station and launched a manhunt for the suspect.
“The driver is currently on the run,” Tumusiime confirmed. “We are conducting intensive investigations to track him down. Anyone with relevant information should report to the nearest police station.”
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Kabwohe Health Center IV mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
Grief-stricken residents have called for immediate action to improve road safety in the area. “This road has become a death trap. Drivers are reckless, and there are no clear pedestrian walkways. We are tired of burying our children,” lamented Samuel Byaruhanga, a resident of Ryensiibo.
Police are appealing to motorists to exercise caution, especially in residential zones and near schools or trading centers.
“We urge all drivers to respect speed limits and road signs. Reckless driving continues to rob us of innocent lives,” Tumusiime emphasized.
As investigations continue, the Sheema community is left mourning two innocent souls whose lives were cruelly cut short due to negligence on the road.