KABALE. A growing sense of unease has gripped Western-Uganda following reports of alleged poisoning of bus passengers on the Kampala- Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro route.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The latest incident involves a passenger who claims to have been poisoned and robbed on a Gateway bus from Kampala to Kabale.
Dr. Ronald Arinaitwe Kiboneire, the victim, shared a heartbreaking account on Kabale-based WhatsApp forums, narrating an ordeal in which he was allegedly poisoned in a Gateway bus while traveling from Kampala, and left for dead in Kabale town.
“My friend and I became victims of suspected poisoning while traveling on a Gateway bus from Kampala to Kabale on the night of Wednesday, January 15, 2025,” Dr. Arinaitwe wrote. “We did not eat or drink anything during the journey. However, upon reaching our destination, we found ourselves in a severe, unconscious state.
“The bus officials, upon noticing our condition, abandoned us outside the bus without informing the police or assisting us in seeking medical attention. It was only after 15 hours, when I regained consciousness, that my relatives found me in a room. By then, I had lost my money and phone.” He added.
Dr. Arinaitwe further noted that he reported the incident to Kabale Police Station on Saturday, January 18, 2025, where he was informed by the officer that it was the ninth such incident within a span of two weeks.
His account was corroborated by Mr. Paddy Mwesigye, Proprietor of Mwesigye Clinic in Kabale town, who also serves as Kabale District Assistant D.H.O. Mr. Mwesigye testified that his clinic had registered up to 10 cases, which he had reported to the police without a comprehensive response.
Following these allegations, the Kigezi Regional Police convened an emergency meeting with bus company managers on January 24, 2025. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Regional Police Commander SSP Kawalya James, brought together representatives from 10 bus companies, including Gateway, Bismarkan, Abapakasi, Baby Coach, Friends, Jaguar, Horizon, Trinity, Link and Volcano.
Passengers reported a range of alarming incidents, including buses parking on the wrong side of the road, exposing them to danger; unauthorized individuals posing as bus guides, issuing fake receipts, and stealing from passengers; and buses overloading, particularly at night, with conductors showing blatant disregard for customer safety.
The police confirmed that four cases of alleged poisoning have been reported, with investigations underway to determine the type of chemical used and those responsible.
The meeting yielded several key resolutions, including improved safety mechanisms, customer-friendly services, regulated bus stopovers, registered bus staff, and enforcement of uniform attire worn by staff, including bus guides. Buses will now be required to install safety cameras, and bus officials will be mandated to provide regular updates and warnings to passengers about potential dangers.
Buses will also be restricted from making unnecessary stopovers, reducing the risk of passenger exposure to danger. Transport companies will be required to register their employees and provide lists to the police and executive committee.
The chairperson (Deputy RPC) concluded the meeting by thanking members who attended and for their active participation, asked them to ensure that the resolutions are implemented.
SSP Kawalya promised to remain in touch with the transporters and assured them that the DPC will always improvise and reinforce them with manpower whenever there’s a need.
As the investigation into the alleged bus poisonings continues, passengers are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious incidents to the authorities.
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