Fort Portal, Uganda — A tragic road accident on Saturday night has claimed the lives of five people, including two nursing students from Fins Medical University. The crash occurred at around 10:50 p.m. along the Fort Portal-Kasese highway when a university van collided with a passenger bus.
According to Rwenzori West police spokesperson Vincent Twesige, the accident happened as a Fins Medical University Toyota Hiace van (registration number UAQ 436Q) and a Skies Bus Company coach (UBQ 993G) side-swiped on a narrow section of the road. The impact caused the van to lose control, overturning several times before coming to a stop in the middle of the road.
The van, returning from a medical outreach at Busita Playground in Bunyangabu District, was carrying staff and students from the Fort Portal-based university. The crash killed all five occupants in the van: Gerald Muhumuza, a professional nurse; James Kato, a member of the support staff; Meddy Tusime, the van driver; and two nursing students, Pauson Amanya and Trust Koshaba.
Three others—Matiya Businge, Everest Kugonza, and John Calvin Omasege—were seriously injured and are receiving treatment at Great Lakes International Hospital and Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital.
The Skies Bus coach, which was carrying several passengers, sustained minor damage. The driver of the bus had light injuries, and none of the passengers were harmed.
Patrick Ruhweza, the university secretary, confirmed the identities of the deceased and expressed profound sorrow. “We have lost dedicated members of our Fins Medical University family. This is a dark day for us all,” he said.
News of the crash has sent shockwaves through the university and the wider Fort Portal community, especially as the victims had just completed a day of service during a health outreach. Many had praised the group for their dedication to community health in rural areas.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the crash, with focus on road conditions and the maneuvering of both vehicles on the narrow stretch where the accident occurred.
Funeral arrangements for the deceased are underway, as Fins Medical University begins the painful process of mourning and honoring five lives lost in service.
