At least 63 individuals lost their lives following a tragic incident where two buses collided on a highway in Uganda. According to authorities, the buses, traveling in opposite directions, attempted to overtake other vehicles before crashing head-on. One bus swerved across the road in an attempt to avoid a collision but ended up striking the other bus, both of which were carrying passengers.
The collision set off a chain reaction, causing the buses to block the highway while other vehicles skidded and overturned in efforts to avoid the wreckage. When rescue teams arrived at the scene in Kitaleba village, numerous injured passengers were found by the roadside. Authorities express concern that the casualty count may rise as many passengers sustained serious injuries.
The crash occurred shortly after midnight, with images depicting the devastation, including one bus completely destroyed and a car overturned. Workers were seen clearing debris from the scene. Additionally, a Toyota and a Tata lorry truck were also involved in the collision, with injured passengers being transported to a hospital in Kiryandongo.
A police statement highlighted that the collision resulted from both buses attempting overtaking maneuvers. An investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the tragedy. Authorities urge motorists to exercise caution on the roads, emphasizing the dangers of reckless overtaking, a common cause of accidents in the country.
Uganda has been plagued by fatal road accidents, often attributed to narrow roads and speeding drivers. In a recent incident in August, a bus carrying mourners from a funeral in Kenya overturned, claiming the lives of at least 25 people. Official police data revealed a concerning increase in road crash fatalities over the years, with 5,144 deaths recorded in 2024, up from 4,806 in 2023 and 4,534 in 2022.
The latest police report indicated that careless overtaking and speeding were responsible for 44.5% of documented crashes in 2024, underscoring the need for increased road safety measures.