Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has extended his condolences to the families of victims who perished in a tragic road accident that claimed dozens of lives along the Kampala–Gulu highway.
In a statement released on his X account earlier today, October 22, Museveni said that each family that lost a loved one will receive UGX 5 million, while those with injured relatives will be given UGX 1 million in financial assistance.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred this morning on the Kampala–Gulu highway, which claimed many lives,” the President said. “I send my heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”
Museveni added that he had instructed the Office of the President to ensure that the funds are promptly distributed to affected families. He also urged all road users to exercise greater caution to prevent similar tragedies.
Updated figures from the Uganda Police Force indicate that 46 people were confirmed dead by hospitals, down from the earlier estimate of 63 fatalities.
Police spokesperson for the Traffic Department, SP Michael Kananura, said in a statement that the accident occurred late on Wednesday night, October 22, in the Kitaleeba area along the Kampala–Gulu road.
He explained that the collision involved four vehicles, including two passenger buses, an Isuzu, and a Tata truck. Preliminary investigations suggest that one of the buses, heading from Kampala toward Gulu, attempted to overtake the truck but collided head-on with another bus coming from the opposite direction.
“Some of those initially reported dead were in critical condition or unconscious, leading to confusion in the early count,” Kananura clarified.
Police officers and emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, transporting the injured to Kiryandongo Hospital and nearby medical facilities.
Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the exact cause of the accident and have once again called on drivers to adhere to traffic rules and avoid reckless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in Uganda.