The death toll from the fatal road crash that occurred early Wednesday morning, October 22, 2025, along the Kampala–Gulu Highway has been revised to 46, down from the initially reported 63, after emergency responders confirmed that several victims earlier believed to be dead had regained consciousness.
The tragic crash, which took place at around 12:15 a.m. at Kitaleba Village, near Asili Farm in Kiryandongo District, involved four vehicles — an Isuzu bus (Nile Star Coaches) registration number UBF 614X, a Toyota Surf CGO 5132AB 07, a Tata lorry UBK 647C, and another Isuzu bus (Planet Company) registration number UAM 045V.
According to preliminary police investigations, the collision was caused by reckless overtaking by both buses traveling in opposite directions.
The Nile Star bus (UBF 614X), traveling from Kampala toward Gulu, reportedly attempted to overtake a Tata lorry at a bend. Simultaneously, the Planet bus (UAM 045V), heading from Gulu toward Kampala, was overtaking a Toyota Surf. The two buses collided head-on, sparking a chain reaction that caused the other vehicles to overturn multiple times.
Initial reports from first responders suggested 63 fatalities, but a follow-up assessment confirmed that 46 people had died, while others previously counted among the dead were actually unconscious and later revived by emergency medical teams.
Police and rescue workers swiftly evacuated the injured to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities. The bodies of the confirmed deceased were taken to the hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination and identification.
Speaking about the incident, SP Michael Kananura, the Traffic Police spokesperson, described it as one of the most tragic accidents in recent months and urged motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads.
“We strongly advise drivers to avoid dangerous and careless overtaking, which continues to be one of the leading causes of road crashes in the country,” Kananura said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones and wish the injured a full and speedy recovery.”
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has since launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the crash and promised increased highway patrols to curb dangerous driving behavior.
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