Uganda is mourning the loss of dozens of lives following a horrific bus crash on one of the country’s busiest highways. Authorities have now revised the death toll downward to 46, after initially reporting that 63 people had died in the accident that occurred shortly after midnight on the main road linking the capital city, Kampala, to Gulu in the north.
According to police reports, the long-distance passenger bus was traveling overnight when it collided with a heavy truck on the narrow highway, resulting in one of the deadliest road tragedies the country has seen in recent years. Rescue operations continued into the early morning hours as emergency teams battled to reach survivors trapped in the wreckage.
Ugandan police spokesperson Fred Enanga said the updated figure followed a thorough verification of victims’ identities at the scene and local hospitals. Several of the injured were rushed to nearby medical centers in critical condition, with authorities warning that the death toll could still rise due to the severity of injuries sustained.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation, with debris scattered across the highway and traffic halted for hours. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, though early indications suggest that speeding and poor visibility may have played a role. Officials also noted that the stretch of road where the crash occurred has long been considered a danger zone due to sharp bends and inadequate lighting.
The government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Calls are growing for stricter road safety enforcement and better infrastructure to prevent future tragedies on Uganda’s major transport routes.
Road accidents remain a major public safety concern in Uganda, with hundreds of fatalities reported annually due to reckless driving, overloading, and poorly maintained vehicles. The Kampala-Gulu highway, in particular, has witnessed multiple fatal crashes over the years, prompting renewed debate on the need for stronger regulation and driver education.
As the nation comes to terms with this heartbreaking incident, authorities have urged motorists to exercise greater caution on the roads. Families of the victims have begun identifying loved ones, while the government prepares to assist with burial arrangements and medical costs for the injured.
The tragic crash has once again brought national attention to Uganda’s growing road safety crisis and the urgent need for reforms that could save countless lives in the future.
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