Police in Mityana are investigating a frightening fire incident involving a passenger bus that caught fire along the busy Kampala–Mubende highway on Thursday evening, sending passengers into panic as they rushed to save their lives.
According to Police, the incident happened on 07 May 2026 at around 4:00pm at Mukenswa Kyengeza in Zigoti Town Council, Mityana District. The bus involved was a green HIGER bus registration number UBF 966K belonging to Link Bus Company. The bus was reportedly transporting passengers from Kampala to Kasese when the shocking incident occurred.
Preliminary reports indicate that while the bus was moving along the highway, friction allegedly developed in the rear tyres. Moments later, flames suddenly broke out from the back section of the vehicle before spreading rapidly through the bus. Passengers on board were thrown into fear and confusion as smoke and fire engulfed parts of the vehicle.
Despite the terrifying situation, all passengers reportedly managed to escape safely before the fire intensified. Witnesses at the scene said some passengers were seen jumping out in panic while others hurriedly removed a few pieces of luggage from the burning bus. Several properties, however, are feared to have been destroyed in the fire.
The incident caused temporary panic among road users and residents in the area as thick smoke covered part of the highway. Drivers and boda boda riders reportedly stopped to watch as the bus burned by the roadside.
A fire fighting team from Mityana quickly responded to the scene and managed to put out the flames before the fire could spread further. Police officers led by SP Gamal, the Regional Traffic Officer for Wamala Region, also visited the scene and documented evidence to aid investigations.
Authorities later drew a rough sketch plan of the scene before the wreckage of the bus was towed to Mityana Police Yard for further inspection and examination.
Fortunately, Police confirmed that no deaths or injuries were registered in the incident, something many described as a miracle considering the speed at which the fire spread through the bus.
Traffic Police say investigations into the exact cause of the fire are still ongoing, although initial findings point to tyre friction as the possible source of the outbreak.
The incident has once again raised concerns about vehicle maintenance and safety checks for public transport vehicles operating on Uganda’s highways, especially long-distance buses that travel with many passengers daily.
