63 Killed in Tragic Road Crash on Kampala–Gulu Highway
KITALEBA, UGANDA | 22nd October 2025 — At least 63 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a fatal road crash that occurred early Wednesday morning along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, police have reported.
According to a statement issued by the Uganda Police Force Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the tragic incident happened at around 12:15 a.m. at Kitalega Village, near Asili Farm. The crash involved four vehicles — a Nile Star Isuzu bus (registration number UBF 614X), a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07), a Tata Lorry (UBK 647C), and another Isuzu bus (UAM 045V) belonging to Planet Company.
Initial police investigations indicate that the driver of the Nile Star bus, travelling from Kampala towards Gulu, attempted to overtake the Tata Lorry at the scene. At the same moment, the Planet Company bus, coming from the opposite direction, was also overtaking the Toyota Surf. Both buses collided head-on during the overtaking manoeuvres.
In an attempt to avoid the collision, one of the drivers reportedly swerved, triggering a chain reaction that caused other vehicles to lose control and overturn multiple times. All the occupants of the involved vehicles were affected, with 63 people losing their lives and several others sustaining serious injuries.
Police said emergency teams arrived promptly at the scene, transporting the injured to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities. The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to the same hospital’s mortuary for post-mortem examinations and identification.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, emphasizing that dangerous and careless overtaking remains one of the leading causes of fatal road crashes in Uganda.
“We strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, especially avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking,” said SP Kananura Michael, the Police Traffic and Road Safety spokesperson. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a quick recovery to the injured.”
The Uganda Police Force continues to investigate the incident.
