63 Dead in Tragic Multi‑Vehicle Crash on Kampala‑Gulu Highway

By  UgandaToday News Desk
Date: 22 October 2025

A devastating road accident claimed at least 63 lives early Wednesday morning along the busy Kampala–Gulu highway, according to a statement from the Uganda Police Force.

The crash
The tragedy occurred at around 12:15 a.m. on 22 October 2025, at Kitaleba Village, near Asili Farm in Kiryandongo District, along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.

Four motor vehicles were involved: two long‑distance Isuzu buses (registration UBF 614X of Nile Star Coaches and UAM 045V of Planet Company), a Tata lorry (UBK 647C), and a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07).

Preliminary investigations by the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety indicate that the bus from Kampala (UBF 614X) was overtaking the lorry, while simultaneously the opposite‑direction bus was overtaking the Toyota Surf. The two buses collided head‑on during their overtaking manoeuvres. One driver swerved in an attempt to avoid the collision, but this triggered a chain reaction that caused other vehicles to lose control and overturn several times.
As a result, all occupants of the involved vehicles died on the spot and several more were critically injured.

Response and aftermath
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene. Injured survivors were rushed to Kiryandongo Hospital and nearby health facilities for treatment, while bodies were conveyed to the hospital mortuary for post‑mortem examination and identification. 
The Police have extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a swift recovery to those injured. Uganda Police Force

What caused it?
Police spokesperson Michael Kananura noted that “dangerous and careless overtaking remains one of the leading causes of crashes in the country.” He urged all motorists to exercise maximum caution on Uganda’s roads. 
Road safety stakeholders warn that major highways such as this one remain particularly high‑risk because of speed, poor lane discipline and infrastructure challenges.

Looking ahead
Investigations are ongoing into the accident. The incident underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement of traffic regulations, driver education, and improved highway safety measures.

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