GULU, Uganda — A devastating road traffic accident on the Kampala–Gulu Highway early Wednesday morning has resulted in the deaths of at least 63 people, with numerous others sustaining serious injuries.
The multi-vehicle crash, which occurred around 12:15 a.m. on October 22, 2025, near Asili Farm in Kiryandongo District, involved two passenger buses, a sport utility vehicle, and a lorry.
The collision at Kitaleba Village involved two Isuzu buses—one registered as UBF 614X (Nile Star Coaches) and the other as UAM 045V (Planet Company)—along with a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07) and a Tata lorry (UBK 647C).
According to preliminary findings released by the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the accident was precipitated by concurrent dangerous overtaking maneuvers. SP Michael Kananura, the Directorate’s spokesperson, stated that the Nile Star bus, en route from Kampala to Gulu, attempted to pass the Tata lorry.
Simultaneously, the Planet Company bus, traveling in the opposite direction, was also attempting to overtake the Toyota Surf. This sequence of events resulted in a catastrophic collision between the two buses.
SP Kananura provided a direct account of the crash: “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.”
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The immediate impact claimed 63 lives at the scene. Emergency responders transported the injured to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations and the necessary identification procedures.
Authorities have described the incident as one of Uganda’s most significant traffic tragedies in recent years. While investigations are ongoing, police have issued a strong caution to drivers, highlighting dangerous overtaking as a primary cause of fatal road crashes in the country.
SP Kananura reiterated this safety appeal, stating: “As investigations continue, we strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, especially avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking.”