At least 14 people have been killed and 28 others injured following a devastating road traffic crash at Bobi Trading Centre along the Kampala–Gulu Highway. The collision, which occurred on the night of July 7, has once again raised concerns over speeding and road safety on one of Uganda’s busiest transport corridors.
According to preliminary police reports, the crash involved an Isuzu passenger bus operated by OPIT Travellers Company and a Mercedes-Benz Actros trailer. Authorities say investigations are underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
Police said the crash happened at around 9:34 p.m. at Bobi Trading Centre when the Isuzu bus, registration UBE 110H, allegedly attempted to avoid a pedestrian crossing the highway.
Preliminary findings indicate that the bus driver, who is suspected to have been speeding, lost control of the vehicle before colliding head-on with the oncoming Mercedes-Benz Actros trailer, registration KBS 564D/ZE 7948.
The impact of the collision left multiple passengers trapped in the wreckage as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Authorities have confirmed that 14 people died in the crash, while 28 others sustained injuries of varying severity.
The injured were evacuated to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment as rescue teams worked through the night to clear the scene and assist victims.
Police have not yet released the identities of those who died, pending notification of their families.
Police say investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing and will examine factors including vehicle speed, driver conduct, road conditions, and compliance with traffic regulations.
The force has urged motorists to exercise greater caution, particularly when driving through trading centres and densely populated areas where pedestrians frequently cross major highways.
Officials also reminded drivers to adhere to speed limits, especially during night travel when visibility is significantly reduced.
The Bobi Trading Centre tragedy adds to the growing number of fatal road crashes recorded on the Kampala–Gulu Highway, a key transport route linking central and northern Uganda.
Road safety experts have consistently identified speeding, dangerous overtaking, and failure to anticipate pedestrian movement as some of the leading causes of serious crashes on the country’s highways.
As investigations continue, authorities are calling on all road users to prioritise safe driving practices to help reduce preventable loss of life on Uganda’s roads.
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