At least 46 people have been confirmed dead after two passenger buses collided head-on along the Kampala–Gulu highway in Uganda, police have reported.
According to the Ugandan Police Force, the fatal crash occurred between the capital city, Kampala, and Gulu in the north. Preliminary findings suggest that both buses were attempting to overtake a lorry and a sports utility vehicle (SUV) when the collision happened.
Authorities initially estimated the death toll at 63 but later revised it downward to 46 after further verification.
In the wake of the tragedy, police issued a renewed warning to motorists about the dangers of reckless driving, particularly overtaking on narrow roads. “As investigations continue, we strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, especially avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of crashes in the country,” the police statement read.
The Kampala–Gulu highway, which stretches approximately 330 kilometres (205 miles) and connects several key districts, is one of Uganda’s busiest transport routes. However, it is also regarded as one of the country’s most hazardous roads due to its heavy traffic and narrow sections that often lead to fatal accidents.
The incident once again highlights persistent road safety challenges in Uganda, where poor infrastructure, speeding, and reckless overtaking continue to claim lives despite repeated government warnings.
