Police in Buikwe District are investigating an early morning incident in which a motor vehicle was completely destroyed by fire along the busy Jinja-Kampala Highway, with the driver fleeing the scene shortly after the blaze erupted.
The incident occurred on Monday at approximately 5:30 a.m. at Lugalambo, opposite Pine Trees, along the climbing lanes just past Mabira Forest.
According to Sezibwa Regional Police Spokesperson Ms Hellen Butoto, the vehicle, a Toyota bearing registration number UA 131 FD, was travelling from Jinja toward Kampala, reportedly en route to Chan Bond in Kireka.
Preliminary inquiries indicate that the driver noticed a mechanical fault shortly before the fire broke out.
‘It is alleged that the driver informed one of the passengers that the vehicle had developed a mechanical problem. He reportedly stopped the vehicle, prompting the passenger to get out,’ Ms Butoto said.
Moments later, flames were seen emanating from the vehicle’s exhaust pipe before rapidly engulfing the entire automobile.
The driver fled the scene as the blaze spread. By the time police officers arrived, the car had been burnt beyond recognition, and the driver was nowhere to be found.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, as the passenger managed to escape unharmed and provided initial details to the responding officers.
Ms Butoto stated that police in Mabira have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire, the driver’s whereabouts, and the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Motor vehicle fires along major Ugandan highways have drawn increasing concern from traffic authorities, frequently linked to electrical short circuits, fuel system faults, and severe engine overheating, particularly on steep inclines and climbing lanes like those surrounding Mabira Forest. Similar incidents across the country’s busy transit corridors have previously resulted in total property loss and traffic disruptions, underlining the risks posed by unserviced vehicles during long-distance travel.
In light of the incident, Ms Butoto cautioned motorists to prioritize vehicle safety and routine inspection before setting out on the road.
‘We urge motorists and vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are regularly serviced and mechanically fit before embarking on journeys,’ Ms Butoto said.