Mbale, Uganda – What was meant to be a day of political mobilisation turned into a scene of horror and grief as a campaign accident claimed the lives of two supporters and left several others critically injured. The joint campaigns in Mbale District have been suspended indefinitely following the tragic incident, which has cast a dark shadow over the ongoing electoral process.
The disaster occurred earlier today in Bukinde Sub-County, Bungokho South, when a truck ferrying supporters of Mayi Agnes Wazemwa Wabuyi, a local NRM candidate, lost control and veered off the road. Eyewitnesses reported that the truck, overloaded with enthusiastic supporters and sound systems, failed to brake properly before crashing into a nearby bush.
Tragically, two supporters—who were sitting on top of the truck—died on the spot, while scores of others sustained severe injuries. The victims were rushed to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, where medical teams are battling to save lives. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released as authorities work to notify their families.
In the wake of the tragedy, Mr. Wabongo Moses, the NRM Chairman for Mbale District, announced the immediate suspension of all campaign activities in the area. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and emphasised the need for stricter safety measures.
"We cannot continue like this. We have lost precious lives today because of negligence," Wabongo said, his voice heavy with emotion. "From now on, no candidate should ferry supporters on open trucks or motorcycles. We must prioritise safety over everything else."
The suspension is expected to remain in place until proper campaign guidelines are established to prevent further tragedies.
The Elgon Region Police Spokesperson confirmed the accident but stated that a full report is still pending. Preliminary findings suggest that **overloading and brake failure were the primary causes of the crash. Authorities have vowed to enforce stricter regulations on political rallies to avoid similar incidents in the future.
As news of the accident spread, a sombre mood engulfed Burukuru Village and the surrounding areas. Supporters who had gathered for the rally were left in shock, many breaking down in tears as the reality of the loss sank in.
"They were just young people full of hope, wanting to support their candidate," one distraught resident said. "Now their families will bury them instead of seeing them celebrate victory."
This tragic incident has reignited debates about campaign safety in Uganda, where overcrowded vehicles and reckless political convoy movements have often led to fatal accidents. Many are now urging electoral candidates to adopt safer mobilisation strategies to protect their supporters.
For now, Mbale mourns. Two lives have been cut short, families shattered, and a political campaign halted in grief. As the hospital corridors echo with the cries of the injured and the bereaved, one painful question lingers: How many more must die before safety becomes a priority?
