The Uganda Police Force has officially revised downward the death toll from the devastating road accident that occurred along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, confirming that 46 people lost their lives in the collision, not 63 as earlier reported.
The update was issued by SP Michael Kananura, the Public Relations Officer of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, who clarified that some of the individuals initially believed to have died were later found alive but unconscious at the scene.
“At the time of the crash, several victims were found unconscious and may have been mistakenly included in the initial fatality count. We are working closely with health and emergency services to ensure accurate and timely updates as the situation evolves,” SP Kananura said in an official statement released on Wednesday morning.
The tragic collision occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at around 12:15 a.m., at Kitaleba Village near Asili Farm, along the busy Kampala–Gulu Highway, a stretch of road that has long been notorious for deadly accidents.
Details of the Collision
According to police findings, the crash involved four vehicles — a Nile Star Coaches Isuzu Bus (UBF 614X), a Planet Company Isuzu Bus (UAM 045V), a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07), and a Tata Lorry (UBK 647C).
Preliminary investigations indicate that the Nile Star Coaches bus, traveling from Kampala toward Gulu, attempted to overtake the Tata lorry at a bend.
At the same time, the Planet Company bus, moving from the opposite direction toward Kampala, also tried to overtake the Toyota Surf.
Both buses collided head-on in the middle of their overtaking maneuvers. One of the drivers is reported to have swerved desperately in a last-minute attempt to avoid impact, but the maneuver triggered a chain reaction, causing the other vehicles to overturn several times.
Several passengers were thrown from the buses, while others were trapped inside as rescuers struggled to reach the wreckage.
The police initially reported 63 deaths, but after hospital verification and recovery operations, the number was revised to 46 confirmed fatalities, with dozens more injured and receiving treatment in nearby hospitals, including Bombo Military Hospital and Mulago National Referral Hospital.
President Museveni Responds
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the affected families.
Through a message posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the President stated: “I have learnt with sadness about the tragic accident that occurred this morning along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, claiming many lives. I extend my condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a quick recovery.”
He further directed the State House Comptroller to provide UGX 5 million to each bereaved family and UGX 1 million to each of the injured survivors as immediate support.
“I urge all road users to exercise utmost caution to prevent such tragedies. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” the President added.
Road Safety Under Scrutiny
The Kampala–Gulu Highway, one of Uganda’s busiest transport corridors linking the central and northern regions, has frequently been the scene of fatal road crashes, often attributed to reckless driving, poor overtaking, and fatigue among long-distance drivers.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report (2024), over 4,500 people lost their lives in road crashes across the country last year, with overtaking and speeding listed among the top five causes.
Traffic experts have long warned that the dual challenges of inadequate road design and driver indiscipline continue to make long-haul routes like the Kampala–Gulu Highway dangerous, especially at night when visibility is poor.
In response to the recent tragedy, SP Kananura emphasized the need for motorists to observe speed limits, avoid overtaking on blind corners, and prioritize passenger safety.
“The loss of so many lives is heartbreaking and avoidable. We continue to urge drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations. Reckless overtaking remains one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in Uganda,” he stressed.
Nationwide Calls for Safer Roads
The accident has reignited public debate over road safety enforcement and emergency response capacity in Uganda. Civil society groups and road safety advocates have urged the government to accelerate the installation of highway surveillance systems, expand dual carriageways, and enhance driver education programs.
Some Members of Parliament have also called for stricter penalties for reckless drivers and more stringent inspection of commercial passenger vehicles.
Meanwhile, survivors of the crash, many of whom remain hospitalized, have described the horrifying moments of impact and the chaos that followed.
Local residents of Kitaleba Village joined rescue efforts before police and emergency teams arrived, using rudimentary tools to pull survivors from the wreckage.
One eyewitness told reporters that the scene was “a nightmare,” with debris scattered across the road and cries for help echoing through the darkness.
As investigations continue, the government has pledged to provide full support to the victims’ families while ensuring that those found culpable for negligence face the law.
The Kampala–Gulu Highway tragedy stands as yet another grim reminder of the urgent need for improved road discipline, infrastructure investment, and stronger enforcement mechanisms to safeguard the lives of Ugandan travelers.
For the grieving families, however, the President’s financial support offers only a small measure of comfort as they come to terms with the profound loss of loved ones whose lives were abruptly cut short on one of Uganda’s deadliest highways.
