By Our Reporter
Grief has once again engulfed Kiryandongo District after another road accident claimed four lives this evening near Mukwano Gate, just hours after a separate fatal bus crash that killed at least 46 people last night.
According to NTV, the latest crash occurred along the same stretch of the Kampala–Gulu Highway in Kigumba Town Council, an area now marked by two major tragedies within less than 24 hours.
Earlier in the day, the country woke up to news of a horrific pre-dawn accident that left 46 people dead and several others injured along the same highway. That crash happened at about 12:15 a.m. at Kitaleba Village near Asili Farm in Kyankwanzi District.
According to the Uganda Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the accident involved a Nile Star Coaches bus (registration UBF 614X), a Tata lorry (UBK 647C), a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB), and a Planet Bus Company vehicle (UAM 045V).
“Preliminary findings show that the Nile Star bus from Kampala was overtaking a Tata lorry while, at the same time, the Planet bus from the opposite direction was overtaking a Toyota Surf,” said SP Michael Kananura, the Police Traffic and Road Safety spokesperson. “Both buses collided head-on. One of the drivers tried to swerve, but it was too late, causing a chain reaction that led to several vehicles overturning.”
Police confirmed that all passengers aboard both buses died instantly, while several people from the lorry and the Toyota Surf sustained serious injuries. The injured were taken to Kiryandongo Hospital and nearby medical centers, while the bodies of the deceased were transferred to the hospital mortuary for postmortem and identification.
Authorities described the Kitaleba crash as one of the deadliest in Uganda’s recent history. The Kampala–Gulu Highway, a key route linking central Uganda to the north and South Sudan, has increasingly become a hotspot for fatal accidents due to reckless overtaking, speeding, and night travel.
Official statistics from the Uganda Police indicate that road crashes claimed 4,534 lives in 2024, a sharp rise from 3,901 deaths in 2023. Overspeeding and careless overtaking remain the leading causes.
“Careless overtaking continues to kill our people. We urge all drivers to be patient and responsible. No destination is worth a life,” SP Kananura warned.
As families mourn the victims of both accidents, police extended their condolences to the bereaved and urged motorists to drive cautiously, especially during the ongoing rainy season.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a quick recovery,” police said in a statement.
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