By Izidoro Twinamasiko,
At least 63 people have lost their lives and several others injured in a fatal road crash that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning at around 12:15 am along the Kampala–Gulu Highway at Kitaleeba Village, near Asili Farm.
The Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety Public relations officer Sp Micheal Kananura,the fatal accident involved four motor vehicles UBF 614X Isuzu bus belonging to Nile Star Coaches,CGO 5132AB Toyota Surf,UBK 647C Tata Lorry and UAM 045V Isuzu bus belonging to Planet Company.
According to Preliminary police investigations, the driver of the Nile Star Coaches bus (UBF 614X), which was travelling from Kampala towards Gulu, attempted to overtake the Tata lorry (UBK 647C). At the same time, the Planet Company bus (UAM 045V), travelling in the opposite direction, also attempted to overtake the Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07). Both buses reportedly collided head-on during the overtaking manoeuvres leading to the accident.
According to the Police statement,both the deceased and the injured were transported to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities by the police officers who arrived promptly at the scene.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a quick recovery to the injured,” said SP Kananura Michael, the public relations officer Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.
Statistics from the Uganda Police Force’s annual report reveal a worrying upward trend in road accidents over the past five years. Reported crashes have risen from about 12,000 in 2019 to over 25,000 in 2024, more than doubling within half a decade.
