Thirteen people died in a road accident in Chekwatit Village, Kaserem Sub-County, on the Kapchorwa-Mbale Road on Saturday night. The victims were returning from a traditional marriage introduction ceremony when the Toyota Hiace they were traveling in lost control and overturned multiple times.

According to eyewitnesses and authorities, the accident occurred around 9 p.m., resulting in several immediate fatalities. A relative of one of the victims, who requested anonymity, reported that eight people died instantly, while five others succumbed to injuries at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Injured passengers were initially taken to Kapchorwa Hospital before being transferred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. The vehicle was en route from Kapchorwa to Busia District.

Michael Okurut, who lost a relative in the crash, said, "My sister was representing our family. We were waiting for her to return, only to receive the worst news.” Police have confirmed that the vehicle was overloaded and possibly speeding at the time of the accident. Fredmark Chesang, the Sipi Regional Police spokesperson, indicated that brake failure is a suspected cause. "We are investigating the possibility of brake failure or reckless driving. Survivor statements will be crucial," he stated.

The crash involved members of the Abakwala Clan from Magombe Village, Busia District, who had attended the ceremony in Kapchorwa District. Joseph Wanyama, an elder from Busia, lamented, “Five members of a single family died, and the number of fatalities has now reached 13. It is a devastating loss.”

Local leaders have voiced concerns about the increasing frequency of accidents in the area. Scovia Atim, speaking at Mbale hospital, said, “We have lost young, productive citizens. It is a community wound.” Benard Chemutai, a local driver, attributed the rise in accidents to unfamiliarity with Kapchorwa’s rugged terrain and poorly maintained vehicles, calling for urgent education on safe driving and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

Yasin Okwong, a road safety expert, noted that Kapchorwa’s mountainous roads are particularly hazardous during rain, adding that “overconfidence and poor vehicle maintenance contribute to these fatal crashes.” Chesang warned drivers against speeding and overloading, emphasizing that Kapchorwa’s hilly terrain requires extreme caution. Authorities are investigating the causes of these accidents and are considering measures to enhance road safety, including stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public awareness campaigns.