A devastating multi-vehicle crash on Uganda’s Kampala-Gulu Highway has resulted in the deaths of at least 46 people, with many others injured. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, October 22, 2025, has prompted a police investigation and national mourning as authorities work to ascertain the full scope of the tragedy.
The crash took place at approximately 00:15 local time (21:15 GMT) on one of Uganda’s most trafficked routes, involving two buses, a lorry, and a car. According to the Uganda Police Force, the collision occurred when the two buses, traveling in opposite directions, attempted to overtake the other vehicles and met head-on, leading to a catastrophic chain of events. This busy highway connects the capital Kampala to the northern city of Gulu, serving as a critical corridor for trade and travel across the region.
One of the buses swerved in an attempt to avoid the collision, but this maneuver resulted in a head-on and side impact that caused other vehicles to lose control and overturn. This chain reaction led to numerous fatalities and injuries among the passengers and others involved, with emergency services rushing to the scene to provide aid. The chaotic aftermath required coordinated efforts from police, health workers, and local responders to manage the situation and transport victims for medical care.
Initial reports from police indicated a death toll of 63, but this was later revised down to 46 after it was discovered that some victims who were unconscious had been mistakenly included in the fatality count and are now receiving medical treatment. The injured have been transported to various hospitals in the western town of Kiryandongo, where they are being cared for as investigations continue. Authorities are working to verify the numbers and provide accurate updates, emphasizing the challenges in assessing such large-scale accidents.
Regional Police spokesperson Julius Hakiiza attributed the accident to dangerous overtaking, stating that one bus was trying to overtake when it collided with another bus coming from the opposite direction. He emphasized that such reckless driving remains a leading cause of road crashes in Uganda, and a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances and prevent future occurrences. Police have urged motorists to avoid careless overtaking, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on the nation’s roads.
In response to the tragedy, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni expressed his profound sadness and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He announced financial assistance, directing that each family of the deceased receive five million Ugandan shillings (approximately $1,430) and each injured person receive one million shillings, while urging motorists to exercise greater caution and adhere to traffic regulations. This gesture aims to support affected families during this difficult time and underscore the government’s commitment to road safety.
The Kampala-Gulu Highway has long been plagued by accidents due to factors like overspeeding, poor road conditions, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws. Following this incident, police have reiterated calls for drivers to avoid dangerous maneuvers and prioritize safety, noting that similar crashes have occurred in the past. This event has reignited public debate about the need for infrastructure improvements and stricter regulatory measures to reduce the high rate of road fatalities in Uganda.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are collaborating with health and emergency services to ensure all victims are accounted for and receive proper care. The crash highlights the persistent road safety challenges in Uganda and underscores the urgent need for enhanced measures, such as better driver education, increased patrols, and investment in road maintenance, to protect lives and prevent similar tragedies in the future. Community leaders and advocacy groups are also calling for collective action to address these issues and foster a culture of responsibility on the roads.