By Weswa Ronnie
KAPCHORWA
A devastating road accident has left families in mourning after 11 people lost their lives in a tragic crash at Chepkwatit, Kaserem Sub-County, along the Kapchorwa-Bulambuli road. The incident occurred on Saturday night, 17th May, 2025 adding to the growing list of fatalities on this dangerous stretch of the road.
Toyota Hiace taxi (Registration UBE 932N) traveling from Kween District heading back to Busia District lost control at Chepkwatit, a notorious accident hotspot at, around 8:30 PM. The vehicle overturned multiple times, killing eight passengers instantly and leaving eight others seriously injured.
The victims were returning from an introduction/marriage ceremony at the home of Eng. Anguria, the District Engineer of Kween District. Among the deceased, eight died on the spot, while three succumbed to their injuries on the way to the hospital.
Sadly, the death toll has since risen to 11, deepening the grief of the affected families. One the relatives we spoke to who stayed back at home in Busia said that the celebrants were 17 as they left Busia and all seemed well until around 9pm when they heard of the bad news. He noted that by morning 11 had passed on while a few are still on life support machines.
This tragic crash follows another fatal accident just two weeks ago at the same spot, where an Isuzu truck carrying cows overturned, claiming the lives of 10 traders and their livestock. The Chepkwatit and Towei slopes are infamous for their steep gradients, making them deadly for drivers unfamiliar with the terrain. Experts warn that the sharp slopes make it difficult to control gears and brakes, often leading to catastrophic accidents.
Authorities have placed warning signs at Sipi, the beginning of Towei slope, advising drivers to use heavy gears while descending. However, despite these measures, accidents continue to occur, raising concerns over road safety in the region.
The injured victims and some of the deceased were rushed to Kapchorwa Main Hospital for treatment and postmortem examinations, while other bodies were taken to Bulambuli Hospital. Police are still working to identify all the victims as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.
The Sipi Police PRO has urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, adhere to road signs, and ensure their vehicles are in proper mechanical condition before embarking on journeys. “We have lost too many lives on this road. Drivers must remain vigilant to prevent further tragedies,” the statement read.
The repeated accidents at Chepkwatit have left residents in shock and despair. Families are grappling with the sudden loss of loved ones, while the community calls for urgent measures to improve road safety.
