By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
A driver of an Isuzu Elf loaded with maize has plunged into the fast-flowing waters of Karuma Falls after defying police instructions to stop at the Karuma Dam.
According to Susan Kaitake, Head of Communications at the Ministry of Works and Transport, the incident occurred at about 7:00 pm on Monday, 276th January, 2026.
She says the loaded truck with maize heading from the Gulu side was stopped by the police at a roadblock but the driver refused to stop and drove through the roadblock at Karuma junction.
“Unfortunately, it plunged into the river at the bridge. No structural damage has been noticed on the bridge. Only about 6m of guard rails have been deformed,” she says adding that it appears the truck is lodged on the Bridge pier in the river.
The truck carried maize produce from Lela Obaro in Bobi Sub County, Nwoya District heading to Kololo in Kiryandongo District.
The truck somersaulted over the reinforced concrete parapet wall with the load suspected to be higher, and the counter moment lifted it over the parapet wall.
Meanwhile, other sources report that three people are feared dead with police saying several occupants were on board at the time, and only one body has so far been recovered, while others remain missing.
The accident leaves pertinent questions such as the current structural and safety status of Karuma Bridge and its approach roads, particularly the condition of the railings and barricades that failed to prevent the truck from plunging into the Nile.
The immediate measures the Ministry is taking to secure the bridge and prevent similar accidents, and whether there are plans to redesign or reinforce the road barriers given the increasing volume of heavy trucks using the route
Kataike however says, the structural and safety status is okay adding that speed calming measures (humps and rumble strips over 300m on each side), signage and guardrails at approach roads are intact.
She says that despite these measures isolated cases of errant truck drivers who do not follow the speed calming guidelines are bound to plunge into the water.
West Region Police Spokesperson David Ongom Mudong earlier said the driver, registration number UAY 284 Q, is suspected to have been intoxicated.
“It is allegedly that the driver of the vehicle was heavily intoxicated. The owner of the maize tried to stop him not to drive but in vain,” he was quoted as saying.
The truck reportedly had about seven occupants, including the driver, while others were loaders and all residents of Lelabaro Trading Centre in Omoro District.
Authorities continue to search for the missing occupants and have urged motorists to exercise caution while crossing the bridge.
