Police in Mityana District have launched investigations into a fire incident involving a passenger bus belonging to Link Bus that caught fire at Kikonge along the Kampala–Mubende highway, causing panic among travellers and residents.
The bus, registration number UBF 966K, was reportedly travelling from Kampala to Kasese District when the incident occurred.
According to the Wamala Regional Police spokesperson, SSP Lameck Kigozi, all the 65 passengers and crew members who were on board managed to escape safely before the fire spread through the vehicle.
“All the 65 people who were in the bus managed to run out safely, and fortunately no one was injured,” SSP Kigozi said.
Local leaders said the incident caused fear and confusion as smoke and flames engulfed the bus, prompting passengers to evacuate hurriedly while residents rushed to offer assistance.
“People nearby responded immediately to help passengers move away from the bus and save some of their belongings,” said Muhammed Buule, the mayor of Zigoti Town Council.
The fire reportedly destroyed a large section of the vehicle before fire brigade teams arrived at the scene to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
Police later secured the area and temporarily regulated traffic flow along the busy highway as investigations commenced.
SSP Kigozi said inquiries were underway to establish the exact cause of the fire and determine whether mechanical failure could have contributed to the incident.
“Investigations into the cause of the fire have started, and more details will be provided after the assessment is completed,” he added.
Authorities have since advised transport operators to carry out regular vehicle inspections and ensure proper maintenance of public service vehicles to avoid similar incidents that could endanger passengers and other road users.