POLICE IN KANUNGU DISTRICT INVESTIGATES CIRCUMSTANCES THAT RESULTED INTO DEATH OF TWO PEOPLE IN KATETE SUBCOUNTY

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By Ambrose Kweronda
In Kigezi region
www.mknewslink.com

Police in Kanungu District are investigating a tragic incident that left two men dead and one injured at a sand quarry in Kanyamisinga Village, Nyakashojwa Parish, Katete Sub-county.

The accident occurred on January 4, 2026, at around 10:00 a.m., when a large quantity of sand fell from a quarry pit onto a motor vehicle and its occupants. The vehicle, a blue Isuzu Tipper registered UBQ 884U, was being loaded with sand by its owner, 31-year-old Mbonigaba Umar, and two other men, including 30-year-old Izobaryomwe Simon.

Police report that Tumwebaze Junior, 24, a casual labourer, managed to escape the incident unharmed, while the other two men were trapped under the sand. Efforts by local authorities and the Kanungu police team, led by SP Azira Grace, DPC Kanungu, were immediately mobilized to rescue the victims. A wheel loader from the UPDF Engineering Brigade was deployed to assist in excavation.

According to Kigezi regional police spokesperson Elly Maate ,By the evening of January 4, only the body of Mbonigaba Umar had been recovered. Police noted that retrieval of the second body and the vehicle was to resume the following morning with an additional excavator to expedite operations.

Local leaders said the sand pit has been operational for over 20 years and is considered dangerous, having claimed around 18 lives in previous incidents.

The incident has been classified as a result of rash and negligent actions, and investigations are ongoing. Police are urging caution around quarry sites to prevent further loss of life