Police revise death toll from 63 to 46 after massive Uganda road crash

Highway Collision in Uganda Results in Multiple Fatalities

A collision involving two buses and two additional vehicles occurred on a highway in western Uganda early on Wed, resulting in at least 46 fatalities, according to police reports. Initially, the death toll was reported as 63, but it was later revised when some individuals found unconscious were confirmed to be alive.

The incident took place after midnight local time on the highway leading to Gulu, a major city in northern Uganda. The crash occurred when two buses traveling in opposite directions attempted to overtake other vehicles, leading to a head-on collision near the town of Kiryandongo.

Fatal road incidents are prevalent in Uganda and other parts of East Africa, where roads are often narrow. These accidents are frequently attributed to speeding and inadequate road safety measures. In 2024, road crashes in Uganda resulted in 5,144 fatalities, an increase from 4,806 in 2023 and 4,534 in 2022.

According to the latest police crime report, careless overtaking and speeding accounted for 44.5% of all documented crashes in 2024. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution and avoid dangerous overtaking.

In addition to reckless driving, poor infrastructure and insufficient traffic rule enforcement, particularly for heavy vehicles operating at night, contribute to road safety challenges. Joseph Beyanga, a road safety advocate, highlighted the need for increased awareness and enforcement to prevent such tragedies.

Beyanga, also known as Joe Walker, organizes events to raise awareness about road safety. An upcoming memorial walk of over 60 kilometers is planned for November to honor the memory of those affected by road accidents.

Based on reporting by Africanews.