Gulu, Uganda: At least 46 people have died and several others are fighting for their lives after a terrible road accident that happened early Wednesday morning at Kitaleba Village, near Asili Farm, along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.
The accident, which happened around 12:15 a.m., involved four vehicles — two passenger buses, a lorry, and a Toyota Surf. The vehicles were identified as UBF 614X Isuzu Bus (Nile Star Coaches), UAM 045V Isuzu Bus (Planet Company), UBK 647C Tata Lorry, and CGO 5132AB 07 Toyota Surf.
According to police reports, the Nile Star bus heading from Kampala to Gulu tried to overtake a lorry, while the Planet Company bus coming from the opposite direction was also overtaking a smaller car. The two buses met head-on, causing a huge crash that left the vehicles badly damaged and overturned.
Police say 46 people died instantly, while several others were seriously injured. The injured were rushed to Kiryandongo Hospital and nearby clinics for treatment. The bodies of the dead were taken to Kiryandongo Hospital mortuary for identification and post-mortem.
Traffic Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura confirmed the accident and blamed dangerous overtaking for the tragedy.
“We strongly urge all motorists to be careful on the road and avoid reckless overtaking. It’s one of the leading causes of deadly accidents in the country,” Kananura said. “We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a quick recovery.”
Kampala–Gulu Highway known for deadly crashes
The Kampala–Gulu Highway is one of the busiest and most dangerous roads in Uganda. It connects the north to the capital and has seen many fatal accidents over the years, especially on the Kafu–Kiryandongo stretch.
In 2018, an accident involving a Gaagaa bus and a lorry in Kiryandongo claimed 22 lives, while in 2023, a Link Bus crash near Kamdini killed 16 passengers.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2024, the country recorded over 20,000 road accidents, killing more than 4,000 people in one year. Many of these crashes were caused by speeding, careless overtaking, overloading, and night travel.
Road safety experts say Uganda needs stricter enforcement of traffic laws and more awareness among drivers. Campaigns like “Fika Salama” and “Road Safety Week” have helped, but police say more effort is needed to stop the rising number of road deaths.
The latest tragedy at Kitaleba has once again reminded Ugandans of the urgent need for safer driving habits and better road discipline.
