Uganda Highway Tragedy: Over 40 Dead in Massive Multi-Vehicle Collision

Over 40 Dead in Tragic Highway Crash in Uganda

A devastating accident on Uganda’s busy Kampala-Gulu Highway has claimed the lives of at least 46 people, according to local authorities. The crash involved multiple vehicles, including two passenger buses, a lorry, and a car.

Police initially reported 63 fatalities but later revised the number down after discovering that several victims were still alive and receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.

The collision took place around 12:15 a.m. local time when two buses traveling in opposite directions attempted to overtake other vehicles simultaneously, leading to a deadly head-on collision. According to the Uganda Police Force, the impact caused a chain reaction, with other vehicles losing control and overturning.

Dozens of passengers were injured and have been transported to various hospitals in Kiryandongo, a western town near the accident site. Police and emergency teams continue to verify the casualty numbers and investigate the cause of the tragedy.

President Yoweri Museveni expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the affected families. He announced that each bereaved family would receive five million Ugandan shillings (approximately $1,430) in assistance, while the injured would receive one million shillings each.

Authorities have since urged drivers to avoid reckless overtaking, emphasizing that it remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes across Uganda. The Kampala-Gulu Highway is one of the country’s busiest routes, connecting the capital city to the north.

As investigations continue, Uganda’s road safety agencies are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.