A devastating road accident occurred early Wednesday morning on Uganda’s Kampala–Gulu Highway, resulting in at least 63 fatalities and numerous injuries.

The crash took place at approximately 12:15 AM near Kitaleba Village, close to Asili Farm in Kiryandongo District.

According to the Uganda Police Force, the tragedy involved two buses—one operated by Nile Star Coaches (registration UBF 614X) and the other by Planet Bus Company (UAM 045V)—as well as a Tata lorry (UBK 647C) and a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV (CGO 5132AB). Both buses were reportedly attempting to overtake other vehicles simultaneously when they collided head-on

The impact led to a chain reaction, with other vehicles overturning while trying to avoid the wreckage. Emergency responders found dozens of injured passengers, many of whom were rushed to Kiryandongo Hospital in critical condition. Authorities fear the death toll may rise due to the severity of the injuries sustained by several victims

The Uganda Police Force has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggest that dangerous overtaking maneuvers contributed to the collision

Police have urged motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, emphasizing the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations.

The Director of Traffic and Road Safety, Kananura Michael, described the incident as a “grim reminder” of the perils of reckless driving on busy highways. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a swift recovery to the injured.

The Kampala–Gulu Highway, a vital route connecting Uganda’s capital to the northern region, has been notorious for high-speed crashes and reckless overtaking incidents. The road's narrow sections and poor lighting contribute to its reputation as one of the most accident-prone in the country

Authorities have previously committed to widening the narrow sections of this road to enhance safety.

This tragic incident follows a similar crash earlier this year, where a wandering elephant struck a passenger vehicle near Karuma, also along the Kampala–Gulu route, resulting in one death and six injuries. Such recurring accidents underscore the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws in Uganda.

As of now, the Uganda Police Force continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of road safety and the need for all road users to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future. (ILKHA)