At least 46 people have been confirmed dead following a multiple-vehicle crash on the Kampala–Gulu Highway in Uganda, police authorities said on Wednesday.
The Uganda Police Force, in a statement, revised down an earlier casualty figure of 63, clarifying that the initial count mistakenly included several unconscious victims who are now receiving treatment in hospitals.
According to the police, the accident occurred around 12:15 a.m. local time (21:15 GMT) when two buses travelling in opposite directions collided head-on while attempting to overtake a lorry and a car near Kiryandongo, western Uganda.
“One of the buses swerved to avoid a collision but instead caused a head-on and side crash, triggering a chain reaction that led to other vehicles losing control and overturning,” the police said.
Several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and have been evacuated to nearby hospitals in Kiryandongo for emergency care.
Police confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of the fatal crash. “We are working closely with health and emergency services to verify casualty figures and provide accurate updates,” the statement added.
Reacting to the tragedy, President Yoweri Museveni expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
“I have learnt of this tragic accident with sadness. My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families,” Museveni said, while directing that each bereaved family receive five million Ugandan shillings ($1,430) and each injured victim one million shillings for medical support.
The Kampala–Gulu Highway, one of Uganda’s busiest transport routes linking the southern and northern regions, has long been notorious for fatal crashes.
In the aftermath of the accident, police reiterated warnings against reckless and dangerous overtaking, describing it as “one of the leading causes of road crashes in the country.”
