Overtaking Gone Wrong: 63 Perish in Kampala–Gulu Road Disaster

At least 63 people have died and several others sustained serious injuries in a devastating road crash that occurred early Wednesday morning at Kitaleba Village, near Asili Farm, along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.

According to a press statement issued by the Uganda Police Force Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the accident happened at around 12:15 a.m. and involved four motor vehicles — an Isuzu bus (UBF 614X) operated by Nile Star Coaches, a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07), a Tata Lorry (UBK 647C), and another Isuzu bus (UAM 045V) belonging to Planet Company.

Sequence of Events

Initial police investigations indicate that the Nile Star Coaches bus, travelling from Kampala towards Gulu, attempted to overtake a Tata Lorry (UBK 647C) at the ill-fated stretch of road. Simultaneously, the Planet Company bus, coming from the opposite direction, was also attempting to overtake the Toyota Surf.

In the process, the two buses met head-on during the overtaking manoeuvres. One of the drivers reportedly swerved to avoid a collision, but the attempt proved futile and instead caused a head-on and side collision. This triggered a chain reaction that led to other vehicles losing control and overturning several times.

The impact was catastrophic. All the buses were extensively damaged, with passengers trapped in the wreckage. By the time rescue teams arrived, 63 people had lost their lives, while several others were left with life-threatening injuries.

Emergency Response 

Police and emergency rescue teams arrived promptly at the scene and transported the injured to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities. The bodies of the deceased were taken to the same hospital’s mortuary for post-mortem examination and identification.

Eyewitnesses at the scene described it as one of the worst road disasters in recent years, with debris scattered across the highway and buses completely mangled. Some local residents and motorists joined efforts to rescue trapped victims before emergency services arrived.

Police Condemn Reckless Overtaking

In the statement, SP Kananura Michael, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, attributed the crash to dangerous overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of road carnage in Uganda.

“We strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, especially avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking,” Kananura said. “As investigations continue, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a quick recovery to the injured.”

The Police have since launched investigations to establish the exact circumstances that led to the collision, including whether fatigue, speeding, or poor visibility may have been contributing factors.

Road Safety Appeal

Authorities continue to urge bus and truck drivers to be more vigilant on highways, particularly during night hours, when fatigue and reduced visibility increase the risk of accidents. They also call on transport companies to enforce strict driving schedules and vehicle maintenance standards to minimize tragedies of this nature.

This fatal crash adds to the growing concerns about road safety on Uganda’s major highways, where reckless driving, speeding, and overtaking remain persistent threats to lives.

The nation mourns yet another tragedy on the Kampala–Gulu highway — a painful reminder of the need for collective responsibility in ensuring safety on Uganda’s roads.