Uganda woke up to heartbreak this morning after 63 people were confirmed dead in a horrific midnight crash along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, near Kitaleba Village, Asili Farm. The tragedy, described by authorities as one of the country’s worst road accidents in years, occurred shortly after 12:15 a.m.
How the Tragedy Happened
According to the Uganda Police Force, the crash involved four vehicles, two passenger buses, a Toyota Surf, and a Tata lorry.
Preliminary findings indicate that a Nile Star Coaches Isuzu bus (UBF 614X), traveling from Kampala toward Gulu, attempted to overtake a Tata lorry (UBK 647C). At the same time, a Planet Company Isuzu bus (UAM 045V), coming from the opposite direction, was overtaking a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07).
The two buses collided head-on during the manoeuvre, triggering a chain reaction that caused all four vehicles to overturn several times.
“One of the drivers swerved in an attempt to avoid collision, but this resulted in a head-on and side impact, leading to multiple vehicles losing control,” said SP Michael Kananura, Police Spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.
Police and emergency responders arrived swiftly, ferrying the injured to Kiryandongo Hospital and nearby clinics. The deceased were taken to the Kiryandongo Mortuary for post-mortem and identification.
Nation in Shock and Mourning
Scenes from Kitaleba were harrowing mangled metal, shattered glass, and cries for help piercing the night.
Among the victims were students, traders, and long-distance travelers returning home.
Social media has since flooded with messages of condolence, with many Ugandans demanding stronger road safety measures and accountability from transport operators.
Police: Reckless Overtaking to Blame
Authorities have attributed the cause to dangerous overtaking, a persistent issue on Uganda’s major highways.
“We strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution, especially avoiding careless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of crashes in the country,” said SP Kananura.
The Kampala–Gulu Highway, a critical route connecting the north to the capital, has long been notorious for frequent fatal accidents, narrow sections, and poor lighting.
Uganda’s Road Safety Crisis
Data from the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2024 revealed that more than 4,500 people lost their lives in traffic accidents last year alone, an average of 12 deaths every day.
Experts cite a mix of factors including driver fatigue, over speeding, poor road conditions, and weak enforcement of traffic regulations.
“Until companies and drivers treat road safety as a matter of life and death, not a time-saving tactic, we’ll continue losing lives like this,” said Eng. Samuel Mugisha, a transport safety advocate.
Public Demands for Action
Following the Kitaleba disaster, Ugandans are calling for:
-
Harsher penalties for reckless and fatigued drivers.
-
Installation of road cameras and clear signage on accident-prone highways.
-
Stricter rest-hour enforcement for long-distance bus operators.
-
Government investment in safer road design and lighting infrastructure.
Sources within the Ministry of Works and Transport say a comprehensive safety review of the Kampala–Gulu corridor is expected in the coming weeks.
A Nation United in Grief
As investigations continue, families mourn loved ones lost in seconds to a moment of recklessness.
The wreckage at Kitaleba may soon be cleared, but for dozens of Ugandan households, the pain will linger far longer.
This tragedy serves as a painful reminder:
One reckless overtake can end dozens of lives.
May the departed rest in peace, and may this tragedy spark a renewed commitment to road safety and accountability across Uganda.
