63 people killed in huge road crash after two buses ‘attempt to overtake in opposite directions’ in Uganda
- This story is developing, more to follow
At least 63 people were killed and others injured in a traffic accident involving two buses on one of Uganda’s busiest highways, police said on Wednesday.
The accident occurred just after midnight on the highway between the capital Kampala and the northern city of Gulu.
Initial investigations suggest that the accident occurred when two buses, a truck and a sports utility vehicle (SUV) coming from different directions tried to overtake other vehicles.
“During the process, both buses encountered each other head-on during overtaking manoeuvres,” the Uganda Police Force said in a statement about X.
‘Sixty-three people lost their lives, all due to the vehicles involved in the accident’.
Traffic and Road Safety Directorate spokesman Michael Kananura told local media: ‘One of the drivers swerved to avoid the collision, but this resulted in a head-on and side collision, causing a chain reaction that led to other vehicles losing control and overturning several times.
Several people were taken to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities.
The bodies of those who lost their lives were taken to the nearby hospital morgue for identification and autopsy.
The accident occurred just after midnight on the highway between the capital Kampala and the northern city of Gulu (Kampala File image)
Uganda has seen a significant increase in road traffic accidents in recent years. Road crashes and fatal crashes each increased by around 6% between 2023 and 2024.
Meanwhile, casualties increased by 4.4% and road deaths increased by 7%.
The road fatality rate in Uganda in 2021 was 16 per 100,000 people.
More to follow.
