KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has announced a compensation package for families affected by the catastrophic multi-vehicle accident on the Kampala–Gulu highway, which officially claimed 46 lives. The directive was issued via the President’s official social media channels hours after the crash on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
The tragic collision occurred early Wednesday morning near Asili Farm in Kiryandongo District, involving two passenger buses, a Toyota Surf, and a Tata lorry. Initial reports placed the death toll at 63, but police later revised the figure to 46 after several victims initially presumed dead were found unconscious.
In his statement, President Museveni expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to bereaved families, while wishing a swift recovery to the injured. He confirmed that each family that lost a loved one will receive Shs 5 million, and each injured survivor will receive Shs 1 million.
“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. I have directed the State House Comptroller to provide financial assistance to those affected,” the President stated.
The President’s directive is an immediate intervention aimed at supporting families grappling with both loss and medical expenses. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, which police described as one of Uganda’s deadliest road accidents in recent history.
Details of the collision
According to preliminary police reports, the crash occurred around 12:15 a.m. when two buses — one operated by Nile Star Coaches and the other by Planet Company — attempted overtaking maneuvers simultaneously.
“One of the drivers swerved to avoid a collision, but this caused a chain reaction, leading at least four other vehicles, including a truck and a land cruiser, to lose control and overturn several times,” stated SP Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.
Emergency responders rushed the injured to Kiryandongo Hospital and nearby medical facilities, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination and identification.
A national road safety challenge
President Museveni used the announcement to urge heightened caution among all road users, warning against reckless driving practices that frequently result in deadly crashes. “I urge all road users to exercise utmost caution to prevent such tragedies. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Also Read: Police revise Kampala–Gulu highway bus crash death toll from 63 to 46
Uganda continues to grapple with a high rate of road traffic accidents, particularly on major highways. In 2024, the country recorded a six percent rise in fatal collisions, totaling 4,434 accidents that claimed 5,144 lives.
This latest tragedy follows several recent high-casualty incidents, including a bus overturn in western Uganda in April that killed ten people and a truck accident in August that claimed the lives of approximately 20 traders.
Authorities reiterate that dangerous overtaking maneuvers are a leading cause of road accidents and have called on drivers to exercise vigilance and adhere to traffic regulations.
The compensation package announced by President Museveni underscores the government’s recognition of the human toll of road accidents and aims to provide immediate relief to families affected by the horrific crash.
