By Mike Rwothomio 

A catastrophic multi-vehicle collision on the Kampala-Gulu Highway at Kitaleba Village, near Asili Farm, has resulted in 63 fatalities and multiple injuries, marking one of the deadliest road accidents in Uganda’s history. 

The incident, which occurred at 12:15 AM today, was confirmed by SP Kananura Michael, CLO/PRO Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.

The crash involved four vehicles: an Isuzu bus (UBF 614X, Nile Star Coaches), a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07), a Tata Lorry (UBK 647C), and another Isuzu bus (UAM 045V, Planet Company). 

According to preliminary investigations, the driver of the Nile Star Coaches bus, traveling from Kampala towards Gulu, attempted to overtake the Tata Lorry. Concurrently, the Planet Company bus, moving in the opposite direction, was overtaking the Toyota Surf.

The simultaneous overtaking maneuvers led to a head-on collision between the two buses.

SP Kananura stated, “One driver swerved to avoid the collision, but this triggered a chain reaction, resulting in a head-on and side impact. The vehicles lost control, overturning multiple times.”

The devastating crash claimed the lives of all 63 occupants across the involved vehicles, with several others sustaining serious injuries.

Emergency response teams promptly arrived at the scene, evacuating the injured to Kiryandongo Hospital and nearby medical facilities for treatment.

SP Kananura said bodies of the deceased were transported to Kirvandongo Hospital’s mortuary for post-mortem examinations and identification.

This tragedy ranks among Uganda’s deadliest road accidents, surpassing previous high-fatality incidents such as the 2016 Kanungu crash, where 32 lives were lost, and the 2008 Iganga crash, which claimed 35 lives.

Overtaking errors and reckless driving remain persistent causes of fatal crashes on Uganda’s highways.

The Uganda Police Force continues its investigation into the incident and urges motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly avoiding dangerous overtaking maneuvers, which are a leading cause of road fatalities nationwide.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” SP Kananura added.

For further inquiries, contact the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot informations