Over 40 killed in multi-vehicle crash involving buses in western Uganda
Early Wednesday, a collision involving two buses and two other vehicles on a highway in western Uganda claimed at least 46 lives, marking one of the deadliest road accidents in the country in recent years. Initial reports had suggested 63 fatalities, but officials later clarified that some people found unconscious at the scene were still alive. Several others were injured in the crash, which occurred shortly after midnight on the route to Gulu, a major northern city.
Police said the crash happened when two buses traveling in opposite directions attempted to overtake other vehicles and collided head-on near Kiryandongo. The scale of the accident left many victims with severe injuries, including broken limbs, according to relief officials. Most of the injured are receiving treatment at a nearby government hospital.
Road accidents are a frequent hazard in Uganda and across East Africa, where narrow roads, speeding, and reckless overtaking contribute to a high number of fatalities. In Uganda, road deaths have been rising, with 5,144 reported in 2024, up from 4,806 in 2023. Officials note that careless overtaking and speeding accounted for nearly half of all crashes last year.
Road safety advocates emphasize that poor enforcement of traffic laws, particularly for heavy vehicles traveling at night, worsens the problem. Campaigners continue to urge motorists to exercise caution and adhere to safety rules, while organizing awareness events such as long memorial walks to highlight the human cost of road accidents.
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