Uganda Multi Vehicle Crash has claimed the lives of at least 46 people after a devastating collision involving several vehicles on one of the country’s busiest highways — the Kampala-Gulu Highway. The horrific accident, which occurred at 00:15 local time (21:15 GMT), is being described as one of Uganda’s deadliest road tragedies in recent years.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the crash happened when two buses traveling in opposite directions attempted to overtake a lorry and a car simultaneously. In a desperate bid to avoid collision, one of the buses swerved — but instead triggered a head-on and side collision, setting off a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles. Several passengers were thrown from the wreckage as the buses overturned, scattering debris across the road.
Revised Death Toll and Rescue Efforts
Initial reports placed the death toll at 63, but authorities later revised it down to 46, explaining that some victims previously thought to be dead were actually unconscious and are now receiving treatment in hospitals. Dozens of injured survivors were rushed to medical facilities in Kiryandongo, a western town near the crash site.
In an official statement, the Uganda Police said they are coordinating with health and emergency services to verify casualty numbers and ensure proper medical care for those injured. The investigation remains active, focusing primarily on the reckless overtaking maneuver that appears to have triggered the catastrophe.
Eyewitness Accounts and Police Statements
Regional Police Spokesperson Julius Hakiiza confirmed that four vehicles were involved in total — two buses, a lorry, and a smaller car. He told the BBC that one bus was “trying to overtake” when it collided head-on with another bus approaching from the opposite direction.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking. One passenger who narrowly escaped told local media, “It happened so fast. I heard the loud crash, then people were screaming. Everything went dark.” Rescue teams and bystanders worked through the night to free trapped victims from the twisted metal.
Dangerous Roads and Overtaking Culture
The Kampala-Gulu Highway is a critical artery connecting Uganda’s capital in the south to the northern region. It is heavily trafficked by buses, trucks, and private cars — often leading to congestion and dangerous overtaking behavior. Police officials have repeatedly warned drivers against careless and high-speed overtaking, calling it one of the leading causes of crashes in the country.
Following the crash, the Uganda Police Force issued a renewed call for road safety, stating:
“We urge all motorists to desist from dangerous and careless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of fatal accidents on our roads.”
Road safety experts have long warned that Uganda’s highways, though essential for commerce and travel, often lack proper dividers, lighting, and enforcement of speed limits. Many fatal crashes are attributed to driver fatigue, mechanical failure, and poor road discipline.
A Nation in Mourning
This tragedy has sparked widespread grief across Uganda. Families have been rushing to hospitals and morgues in Kiryandongo and Kampala to identify loved ones. Social media has filled with condolences and calls for stricter road regulations.
Transportation authorities are expected to review bus company safety practices, and public outrage is mounting over what many see as preventable road deaths.
Government and Emergency Response
The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced that a team of investigators will assess whether the vehicles involved had undergone recent safety inspections. Meanwhile, emergency services continue to provide psychological support for survivors and families affected by the tragedy.
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to issue a formal statement, as national mourning grows for the dozens of lives lost in what is shaping up to be one of Uganda’s deadliest road disasters in recent memory.
End of the Road, Beginning of Reform
While the investigation continues, the Uganda Multi-Vehicle Crash stands as a somber reminder of the nation’s ongoing struggle with road safety enforcement. With nearly 40,000 reported road accidents each year, many citizens are urging the government to implement stricter driver training, improved highway infrastructure, and more visible policing on major routes like Kampala-Gulu.
The wreckage may soon be cleared, but the calls for reform — and for justice — are only growing louder.
Source: BBC
