Credited from: SCMP
At least 46 people have died after a deadly road collision on the Kampala-Gulu Highway in Uganda, involving two buses and other vehicles trying to overtake each other. The incident occurred just after midnight on October 22, 2025, near Kiryandongo, as two buses collided head-on while attempting to navigate around a truck and an SUV, according to police statements from the Uganda Police Force. The fatalities were initially reported at 63 but were later revised after officials determined that some victims found unconscious were still alive, as noted by multiple sources including BBC, CBS News, and Al Jazeera.
The gruesome accident highlights the ongoing road safety issues in Uganda, where narrow roads and speeding drivers often lead to deadly crashes. The Uganda Police Force has reiterated calls for careful driving, especially during overtaking maneuvers, as these actions are among the leading causes of road accidents in the nation. This sentiment was echoed by Joseph Beyanga, a road safety advocate, who criticized the lack of enforcement of traffic regulations, elaborating on the challenges of ensuring safety on Uganda's roads, as referenced by India Times, Africa News, and South China Morning Post.
In light of the tragic crash, which resulted in numerous injuries, the Ugandan Red Cross and other first responders rushed to the scene, but the time of night made it difficult for bystanders to assist the victims. The accident has reignited discussions on the alarming statistics related to road-related fatalities in Uganda, which reached a staggering 5,144 in 2024, a rise from previous years. Extensive advocacy and awareness efforts have been proposed by various groups to combat the rising tide of traffic accidents, as reported by Reuters, Anadolu Agency, and Africa News.