By Micheal Ojok
At least 46 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a catastrophic road accident that occurred at 12:15 am on Wednesday morning, at Kitaleba Village near Asili Farm along the Kampala-Gulu Highway.
The crash involved four vehicles: an Isuzu bus (UBF 614X) operated by Nile Star Coaches, a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07), a Tata lorry (UBK 647C), and another Isuzu bus (UAM 045V) belonging to Planet Company.
Michael Kananura, the spokesperson of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, said, “The driver of UBF 614X Isuzu bus, traveling from Kampala towards Gulu, attempted to overtake the Tata Lorry (UBK 647C) at the aforementioned location.”
He added, “Simultaneously, the Isuzu bus (UAM 045V), traveling from the opposite direction, was also attempting to overtake the Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07). In the process, both buses met head-on during the overtaking maneuvers.”
One of the drivers swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision, but this resulted in a head-on and side collision, causing a chain reaction that led to other vehicles losing control and overturning several times.
The injured were promptly transported to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities, while the bodies of the deceased were conveyed to the hospital mortuary for post-mortem and identification.
Meanwhile, President Yoweri Museveni has expressed grief over the death of 46 people in a tragic road accident in Kiryandongo district.
Through his X (formerly Twitter) account, President Museveni condoled with the bereaved families. He said: “I have learnt with sadness about the tragic accident that occurred this morning along the Kampala–Gulu highway, claiming many lives. I extend my condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a quick recovery.”
Museveni announced that he has directed the State House Comptroller to provide five million shillings to each bereaved family and one million shillings to each injured person. He further urged road users to exercise utmost caution to prevent such tragedies. “May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” he added.
