At least 46 people have been confirmed dead following a horrific bus collision along Uganda’s busy Kampala-Gulu highway in Kiryandongo District early Wednesday morning. The crash, which occurred just after midnight, involved two long-distance buses that collided head-on during an overtaking maneuver, according to a police statement.
Initially, police had reported 63 fatalities, but the figure was later revised to 46 after several unconscious victims were mistakenly counted among the dead. Authorities said the impact triggered a chain reaction involving four other vehicles, including a truck and a Land Cruiser, which overturned multiple times.
Photos and videos shared by local media showed the mangled wreckage of the two buses illuminated by rescue lights as emergency teams worked through the night. Dozens of injured passengers were rushed to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities for treatment.
President Yoweri Museveni extended his condolences to the victims’ families and called for greater caution among drivers. “This tragic accident is a reminder of the need for discipline and vigilance on our roads,” he said.
Uganda has long struggled with road safety, with authorities repeatedly warning drivers about speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, and dangerous overtaking. The country’s 2024 crime report recorded a six percent rise in fatal road crashes, with 4,434 accidents resulting in over 5,000 deaths.
Deadly accidents are frequent on Uganda’s highways. In April, 10 people died after a bus overturned in western Uganda, while in August, 20 traders were killed when their truck overturned. Last year, 26 people lost their lives when a truck exploded on the same Kampala-Gulu route.
As investigations continue, Ugandan police have urged all motorists to exercise restraint and strictly observe traffic rules to prevent further loss of life on the country’s roads.
