At least 63 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a horrific road crash that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.
The Uganda Police Force confirmed the tragedy in an official statement issued by SP Kananura Michael, the spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety. The crash happened around 12:15 a.m. at Kitaleeba Village, near Asili Farm.
According to police, the fatal collision involved four vehicles — a UBF 614X Isuzu bus operated by Nile Star Coaches, a CGO 5132AB Toyota Surf, a UBK 647C Tata Lorry, and a UAM 045V Isuzu bus belonging to Planet Company.
Head-On Collision During Overtaking Attempt
Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of the Nile Star Isuzu bus (UBF 614X), travelling from Kampala towards Gulu, attempted to overtake the Tata lorry at the time of the crash. At the same moment, the Planet Company Isuzu bus (UAM 045V), travelling in the opposite direction, was also overtaking a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB).
Both buses collided head-on during the overtaking manoeuvres. One of the drivers reportedly swerved in an attempt to avoid a direct impact, but the vehicles instead collided on the side, triggering a chain reaction that caused other vehicles to lose control and overturn several times.
Police confirmed that all occupants of the involved vehicles perished in the crash or sustained serious injuries. Rescue teams transported survivors to Kiryandongo Hospital and nearby medical facilities, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the same hospital’s mortuary for post-mortem and identification.
Police Urge Caution on Roads
SP Kananura urged motorists to exercise maximum caution, particularly by avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking, which he described as “one of the leading causes of crashes in the country.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a quick recovery to the injured,” the police spokesperson said.
Background
The Kampala–Gulu Highway is one of Uganda’s busiest transport corridors, frequently linking long-distance passenger and goods traffic between the capital and the northern region. Authorities say recent months have seen a surge in fatal collisions, many linked to reckless driving and speeding.
