At least 46 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured after two buses and two vehicles collided head-on early Wednesday morning on the Kampala–Gulu highway in western Uganda, police said. The accident occurred just after midnight near Kiryandongo, about 220 kilometers north of Kampala. Police said both buses were attempting to overtake other vehicles when they collided in the middle of the road. “In the process, both buses met head-on during the overtaking manoeuvres,” said Ugandan Police spokesperson Fred Enanga.
Authorities initially reported 63 deaths, but later revised the figure to 46 after discovering that several victims initially believed to be dead were still alive and receiving treatment. Rescue teams from the Uganda Red Cross Society and local residents worked through the night to pull survivors from the wreckage. Irene Nakasiita, a Red Cross spokesperson, described the scene as “devastating,” saying many victims suffered multiple fractures and severe bleeding. “The magnitude of this incident is so big,” Nakasiita said. “At night, it’s even harder to get quick help because there are fewer bystanders.”
Survivors were taken to Kiryandongo General Hospital and other nearby health facilities for treatment. Authorities have urged families to check with hospitals and police stations for updates on their loved ones. Uganda has one of the highest road fatality rates in East Africa, with 5,144 deaths recorded in 2024, up from 4,806 in 2023, according to police statistics. Most crashes are linked to speeding, dangerous overtaking, and poor road conditions. Road safety campaigner Joseph Beyanga, known as Joe Walker, said the Kiryandongo crash highlighted ongoing failures in traffic enforcement. “There’s total anarchy on our roads,” he said. “We’ve been raising awareness for years, but enforcement remains weak.”
He plans to lead a 60-kilometre memorial walk in November to honour victims of road crashes and push for stronger safety measures. Police have launched an investigation into Wednesday’s accident but say early findings point to reckless driving and speeding as the main causes. “We urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution, especially when overtaking,” the statement read.
