Dokolo District, Uganda – A Kenyan fuel tanker carrying 35,000 litres of diesel overturned on Sunday evening in Dokolo District after a dramatic attempt to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle.
The single-vehicle accident, which took place around 6:25 PM at Olweny Swamp along the Soroti-Lira road, underscores the perilous challenges drivers face on Uganda’s narrow highways.
The white fuel tanker, a Benz with registration KBN 694F/ZE 9499 and owned by Kenya’s KEN-GAS company, was en route from Eldoret, Kenya, to Southern Sudan.
It was being driven by Hassan Samson, a resident of Garissa-Eldoret.
According to police reports, the accident was triggered when an oncoming car suddenly swerved into Samson’s lane while attempting an overtaking manoeuvre.
Samson reportedly reacted quickly, steering sharply to avoid collision, but the heavy vehicle lost control and flipped into the water-logged area, disconnecting its water pipes in the process.
Local authorities quickly responded, with Inspector of Police Gawona Abel leading a team from Dokolo Central Police Station to secure the accident site.
“Our focus now is on clearing the scene and minimizing any environmental impact on Olweny Swamp,” said IP Gawona, acknowledging that diesel spillage is a concern, though it remains under control as of now.
The Soroti-Lira road is a critical link for fuel and other cargo being transported across East Africa, but frequent accidents raise concerns about road safety and infrastructure.
This incident has amplified calls from residents for improved safety measures and road expansion, as heavy vehicles and local traffic contend with narrow lanes and limited overtaking opportunities.
The case, registered under TAR 69/2024, remains under investigation as police work to clear the wreckage and ensure safe passage for travellers on the road.
Traffic authorities are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution on this busy corridor to prevent further accidents.
