The crash claimed the life of 40-year-old American tourist Harrison Evan Shuldman from New York and left three others injured: Zachary Avayou, 39, and Jeremy Frederick Wright, 25, both American tourists, as well as the Ugandan driver, Alpha Dadaire, 33, from Wakiso District.
The accident occurred at 7 a.m. when the Toyota Land Cruiser (registration number UAM 271U) lost control on a steep slope and rolled several times before crashing under Kyeshero Bridge.
The injured were rushed to Bwindi Hospital, where Shuldman’s body was also transported.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Patience Kinshaba, the Woman MP for Kanungu District, criticized the poor state of roads in the region, which she argued had contributed to the accident.
“Just six kilometers away is Ishasha Bridge, which is on the verge of collapse. This is not good for Uganda. The poor roads in this area send a bad signal to the international community, and it negatively impacts tourism,” she said.
Kinshaba reminded Parliament that Kanungu, home to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is a critical tourist destination.
However, roads such as the Kanyantorogo-Buhoma-Butogota stretch remain in a deplorable state, despite being included in President Museveni’s 2021–2026 manifesto.
The Minister of State for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, addressed the concerns, explaining that the accident resulted from mechanical failure rather than the road's condition.
However, he acknowledged the need for road improvements and revealed that plans to repair the Ishasha Bridge and other critical routes were underway.
“We are collaborating with the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), and once funds have been formally transferred, work will commence,” Byamukama said.
Regarding the Ishasha Bridge, he added, “This is part of an addendum to an earlier procurement. Once the Ministry of Finance clears the funds, we will proceed with reconstruction.”
As investigations into the accident continue, local leaders are urging the government to expedite road rehabilitation projects.
They warn that delays could not only endanger lives but also harm Uganda’s reputation as a leading tourist destination.