A devastating crash on the Kampala-Gulu highway in western Uganda killed at least 63 people early Wednesday morning. According to the Uganda Police Force, the accident occurred after midnight near Kitaleba Village in Kiryandongo District. Two buses travelling in opposite directions attempted overtaking manoeuvres and collided head-on, triggering a chain reaction that involved a lorry and a car.
How the Accident Unfolded
Initial police investigation revealed that a bus from Kampala tried to overtake a Tata lorry while simultaneously a bus from Adjumani to Kampala also attempted an overtake. The two buses collided head-on and one swerved in a failed attempt to avoid impact. The resulting crash overturned multiple vehicles and left numerous lives lost at the scene.
Response and Rescue Efforts
Emergency services and the Uganda Red Cross rushed to the site and evacuated survivors to Kiryandongo Hospital and nearby facilities. Witnesses described gruesome scenes with scattered wreckage and severe injuries throughout. Police and rescue teams remained on the scene into the early hours.
The Wider Road Safety Crisis
Uganda’s roads are already among the most dangerous in East Africa. In 2024, over 5,100 deaths were recorded from road crashes, up from about 4,800 the previous year. Speeding and reckless overtaking accounted for nearly 45% of all traffic crashes, according to official reports from the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.
Urgent Calls for Action
Following the crash, police urgently advised all motorists to exercise maximum caution, especially avoiding overtaking in risky conditions. They emphasised that dangerous driving behaviours remain the leading cause of fatal accidents in Uganda. Authorities said they would intensify patrols and view this accident as a warning signal for stronger enforcement.
Conclusion
This tragic accident stands as one of Uganda’s worst in recent years. The loss of at least 63 lives underscores the urgency of improving road safety standards, enforcing traffic laws, and educating drivers. As grieving families seek answers, the country’s transport system must confront the realities that continue to cost so many lives.
Bonus Read: North Atlantic Right Whale Population Shows Optimistic Growth
