By Omony Denis
Seven people have been confirmed dead and at least 14 others critically injured following a fatal road crash involving a Nile Star bus at Lapok Mor Village in Purongo Town Council, Nwoya district along the Karuma-Pakwach Highway on Monday night
The deceased have been identified as Juria Nelson, 64, from Arua City, Drabaru Dorrish from Arua City, Elvin Treasus, 6, Kakule Viribo Alexis, 26, Acaye Moses from Gulu City and Margret Poni Scopas from Arua City.
Police also confirmed that one more victim, who had not been identified by press time, later also succumbed to injuries, bringing the total number of deaths to seven.
Meanwhile, the injured are currently receiving treatment in Anaka General Hospital in Nwoya, Gulu Regional Hospital and St Mary’s Hospital Lacor in Gulu City.
Preliminary reports indicate that the bus, Reg. No UAX 736U, driven by Kasim Abulo Mandela from Koboko en route to Kampala, collided head-on with an oncoming heavy truck, Benz Actros trailer Reg. No SSD 040A/SSD 498C driven by Abubaker Mohamed Omar,
Survivor accounts suggest that the crash happened while the bus was attempting to overtake another vehicle when it ran into the path of the truck heading towards Pakwach.
The driver has since been arrested and is in police custody as investigations continue under TAR 80/2026, according to Nwoya District Police Commander Ivan Nuwagaba.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2024, a total of 5,144 people lost their lives in road crashes across the country, while 20,664 others sustained injuries.
