Tragic Accident Claims Dozens of Lives on Kampala-Gulu Highway
At least 46 people have died and several others sustained injuries after a multi-vehicle crash on Uganda’s busy Kampala-Gulu Highway, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The Uganda Police Force said the deadly collision occurred around 00:15 local time (21:15 GMT) when two passenger buses traveling in opposite directions collided head-on while attempting to overtake other vehicles.
The impact triggered a chain reaction involving four vehicles — two buses, a lorry, and a car — resulting in one of the deadliest road tragedies in Uganda in recent years.
Police said the buses were speeding and attempting to overtake simultaneously when one of them lost control and swerved, causing the devastating crash.
Police Revise Death Toll After Initial Confusion
Earlier, authorities reported 63 fatalities, but the figure was later revised to 46 after medical teams clarified that several individuals previously thought dead were unconscious but alive and are now being treated in nearby hospitals.
“The earlier numbers included victims who were still breathing but unresponsive,” the Uganda Police Force said in an updated statement.
Emergency responders, including health and rescue teams, quickly rushed to the scene to assist survivors. The injured passengers were transferred to hospitals in the western town of Kiryandongo, where they continue to receive treatment.
Police said efforts were ongoing to identify the victims and contact their families.
Survivors Describe Scenes of Chaos and Horror
Witnesses described the accident site as “a scene of horror,” with wreckage scattered across both lanes of the busy highway. Survivors recalled hearing screams and seeing flames moments after the impact.
“The bus suddenly swerved, and everything went dark. I heard people crying for help,” said one survivor receiving treatment at Kiryandongo General Hospital.
Local residents rushed to the scene before emergency services arrived, helping to pull survivors from the wreckage. Authorities later closed off the highway temporarily to clear debris and recover bodies.
Investigation Launched Into the Fatal Crash
The Uganda Police Traffic and Road Safety Directorate has launched a full investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the collision and whether reckless driving or speeding played a role.
Preliminary findings indicate that dangerous overtaking and poor judgment by bus drivers were key factors behind the crash.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said investigators are collecting evidence from the crash site, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing CCTV footage from nearby checkpoints.
“We urge transport companies and drivers to respect traffic laws and avoid reckless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of road accidents in Uganda,” Enanga said.
President Museveni Expresses Deep Condolences
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the victims’ families and prayers for the injured.
“I have learnt of this tragic accident with great sadness,” he said in a statement, adding that his government will provide financial assistance to the affected families.
Museveni directed that each bereaved family receive five million Ugandan shillings (approximately $1,430 or £1,070) and that each injured person be given one million shillings to help cover medical expenses.
He also called for stricter enforcement of road safety measures and driver training programs to prevent similar disasters.
One of Uganda’s Deadliest Roadways
The Kampala-Gulu Highway is one of Uganda’s busiest transport routes, connecting the capital city in the south to Gulu in the north.
The road sees heavy traffic from buses, lorries, and private vehicles transporting passengers and goods across the country.
According to traffic data, the highway has long been labeled a high-risk route due to frequent accidents, often linked to overspeeding, overtaking on blind curves, and poor road discipline.
Police records show that over 3,500 people die annually in road accidents across Uganda, with careless driving cited as the leading cause.
Authorities Call for Safer Driving Practices
In the wake of the latest tragedy, the Uganda Police Force renewed its call for responsible driving and strict adherence to traffic laws.
A police spokesperson urged drivers to “avoid dangerous and careless overtaking,” warning that such behavior continues to claim lives on the nation’s highways.
Traffic authorities are also working to increase road patrols, install speed cameras, and conduct public awareness campaigns to promote safety.
Officials emphasized that preventing road accidents requires “collective responsibility from all road users.”
Nation in Mourning
The mass casualty crash has plunged the nation into mourning, with churches and community groups organizing memorial prayers for the victims.
As rescue operations continue and the investigation unfolds, Uganda faces renewed calls for tougher traffic enforcement and improved emergency response systems to reduce fatalities on its roads.
Authorities said updates will be released as the verification of victims and investigations progress.
