The dangerous stretch of road, located in Bunyangabu District, is characterised by a steep downhill gradient followed immediately by a sharp bend, a combination that residents say has repeatedly turned the highway into a death trap for motorists, passengers and pedestrians.
One of the deadliest recent crashes occurred on February 12, 2021, when a fuel tanker reportedly suffered brake failure while descending the slope.
The tanker rammed into a stationary lorry that was loading bananas by the roadside before bursting into flames, killing four people instantly.
Another fatal crash occurred on January 18, 2024, when a speeding trailer reportedly failed to negotiate the sharp bend and collided with a commuter taxi, killing three people, including the trailer driver and a pedestrian.
In August 2025, two people were burnt beyond recognition after a vehicle caught fire following a crash at the same location.
Local leaders also cited another accident that claimed four lives, bringing the death toll from major crashes at the black spot to at least 13.
Residents say many of the serious accidents follow a similar pattern, with heavy trucks losing control while descending the steep slope before reaching the sharp bend.
Bunyangabu County MP Victor Kalenzi said the road's design poses a significant danger, especially to heavy commercial vehicles.
"Heavy vehicles descending the slope struggle to slow down before reaching the sharp bend. Once brakes fail or the vehicle gathers too much speed, drivers have very little opportunity to regain control," Kalenzi said.
Bunyangabu Woman MP Sarah Kabarokole said the recurring accidents highlight the need for a permanent engineering solution rather than temporary interventions.
"This road has continued to claim innocent lives. Government must move beyond routine responses and invest in permanent safety improvements before more people die," she said.
Residents say the crashes have left communities living in constant fear.
Joseph Kisembo, a resident, said many people become anxious whenever heavy trucks approach the dangerous section.
"Whenever we hear a trailer approaching the slope, many people become anxious because accidents have happened here repeatedly," he said.
Another resident, Cleus Ruhweza, said several families that lost relatives in the crashes have never received compensation.
"Several families lost breadwinners in these accidents, but many have never been compensated. They continue to suffer years after losing their loved ones," Ruhweza said.
District leaders are urging the Ministry of Works and Transport to establish a designated truck stop for long-distance drivers travelling between Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They argue that such a facility would allow drivers to rest and enable mechanical inspections before continuing their journeys.
Bunyangabu District LCV Chairperson Peter Musinguzi said reducing crashes will require both stronger enforcement and improved infrastructure.
"We need a permanent solution. A truck stop, vehicle inspections and improvements to the road itself will help save lives," Musinguzi said.
Leaders have also proposed constructing a road diversion to reduce the steep gradient and dangerous bend, alongside installing emergency escape lanes for runaway trucks, rumble strips, additional warning signs, speed-calming measures and stricter enforcement against speeding and overloaded vehicles.
As traffic volumes continue to increase along the Fort Portal–Kasese Highway, residents say only a comprehensive engineering solution will prevent Kasunganyanja from remaining one of western Uganda's deadliest road sections.