KAMPALA, UGANDA — At least 63 people have been killed and several others seriously injured in a devastating bus collision on the Kampala-Gulu Highway, one of Uganda’s busiest transport routes. Authorities said the crash, which occurred just after midnight on Tuesday, ranks among the deadliest road accidents in Uganda’s history.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the tragedy unfolded when two buses travelling in opposite directions attempted to overtake other vehicles simultaneously — a dangerous manoeuvre that led to a catastrophic head-on collision. The buses were reportedly overtaking a truck and a smaller car when they collided with each other near Kiryandongo District, about 220 kilometres north of the capital, Kampala.
“In the process, both buses met head-on during the overtaking manoeuvres,” police said in an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Sixty-three people lost their lives, all occupants from the involved vehicles.”
Dozens Dead, Others Hospitalized Following Midnight Tragedy
Emergency responders, including police, fire services, and local volunteers, rushed to the scene shortly after the midnight crash. Rescue efforts continued into the early hours of Wednesday as authorities worked to pull victims from the mangled wreckage.
Several injured passengers were transported to Kiryandongo General Hospital and other nearby health centres for treatment. Police said that all passengers in both buses perished, while occupants of the truck and car sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Although the exact number of injured victims remains unclear, local hospital officials confirmed receiving multiple patients suffering from severe fractures, burns, and head injuries.
Images circulating on social media showed twisted bus frames, charred debris, and bystanders gathered in shock as emergency workers battled to clear the wreckage.
Authorities Urge Caution as Investigations Begin
Police have launched a full investigation into the cause of the accident and are working to identify the victims. Preliminary findings suggest reckless overtaking and speeding were major contributing factors — a recurring issue on Uganda’s highways.
“We strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, especially avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of crashes in the country,” the police statement added.
Traffic along the Kampala-Gulu Highway was halted for several hours as authorities cleared the wreckage and coordinated emergency response efforts. The busy route connects Uganda’s capital to Gulu, the largest city in northern Uganda, serving as a critical link for trade, transport, and migration between the regions.
Recurring Road Safety Crisis in Uganda
Uganda has struggled with road safety challenges for years, with the World Health Organization (WHO) ranking the country among those with the highest rates of road fatalities in Africa. Poor road conditions, reckless driving, and weak enforcement of traffic laws continue to plague the country’s transport system.
According to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), more than 3,500 people die annually in road traffic crashes, while thousands more sustain life-changing injuries.
The latest disaster has reignited public concern about road safety standards, particularly regarding the maintenance of commercial transport vehicles, driver fatigue, and poor highway lighting and signage at night.
Local residents and transport unions have called for stricter penalties for reckless driving and greater police presence along major highways.
“This accident should be a wake-up call,” said Kampala-based road safety advocate James Wanyama. “We lose too many lives because of negligence and poor regulation. Stronger enforcement and public awareness campaigns are urgently needed.”
Government Response and National Mourning
President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly been briefed on the tragedy, though the State House has yet to issue an official statement. Regional leaders and humanitarian organizations have offered condolences to the victims’ families, describing the incident as “heartbreaking and avoidable.”
The Ministry of Works and Transport is expected to launch a safety audit of the Kampala-Gulu Highway, which has seen multiple fatal crashes in recent years due to narrow lanes and heavy truck traffic.
Community leaders in Kiryandongo have also appealed for better road infrastructure, including the construction of dual carriageways and rest stops for long-distance drivers, to reduce fatigue-related incidents.
A Tragic Reminder of Road Dangers
As Uganda mourns the loss of 63 lives, the fatal crash underscores the urgent need for stronger road safety reforms and investment in modern transport infrastructure.
The government’s ongoing campaign, “Stay Alive: Don’t Overtake Recklessly”, may now take on renewed significance as authorities work to prevent such tragedies from recurring on Uganda’s highways.
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