Nile Star Bus Collides With Truck in Early Morning Accident
A deadly road crash on the Pakwach Karuma highway in northern Uganda has left several people dead and others injured after a bus collided with a truck in the early hours of Monday, May 4, 2026. The accident involved a Nile Star passenger bus traveling to Kampala and a trailer lorry along a busy transport corridor.
Crash Occurs in Nwoya District
The collision happened between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. in Purongo Town Council along the Pakwach Olwiyo Karuma route in Nwoya District. The Nile Star bus, registered UBP 736U, was carrying about 67 passengers from West Nile, including travelers from Arua and Koboko.
Reports indicate that the bus attempted to overtake another vehicle before moving into the path of an oncoming truck. The trailer, registered SSD 498C, was transporting fish and heading toward the Democratic Republic of Congo at the time of the crash.
The impact caused severe damage to both vehicles, leaving debris scattered across the road and prompting emergency response teams to act quickly.
Casualties Confirmed and Injuries Reported
Authorities have confirmed multiple deaths following the crash. Early reports suggested several fatalities, with at least six people later confirmed dead, including the bus driver and passengers who died at the scene.
More than a dozen survivors sustained serious injuries. Emergency teams transported victims to Anaka General Hospital for treatment, while some patients are expected to be referred to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor for specialized care.
Officials described the scene as severe, with rescue teams working through the wreckage to assist survivors.
Authorities Launch Investigation
Local leaders and security officials visited the scene shortly after the incident. Police from the Aswa West region have opened an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Preliminary findings point to possible reckless overtaking by the bus driver, though authorities say a full report will be released after further analysis. Officials are also examining other factors such as road conditions, visibility, and driver fatigue.
Passengers who survived the crash later continued their journey to Kampala using alternative transport arranged after the incident.
Ongoing Road Safety Concerns
The Pakwach Karuma highway remains one of the busiest routes linking northern Uganda to the capital. The stretch has recorded several serious accidents in recent years, many involving long distance buses operating overnight.
Road safety experts often cite speeding, poor visibility, and driver fatigue as common causes of such incidents. The latest crash has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, better driver management, and improved safety measures for passenger transport companies.
Authorities have yet to release the full list of victims as efforts continue to notify families. The situation remains under review as investigations continue.
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