Kiryandongo, Uganda | 22nd October 2025 — At least 63 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a devastating road crash that occurred early Tuesday morning along the Kampala–Gulu Highway at Kitaleeba Village, near Asili Farm.
According to a statement issued by the Uganda Police Force Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the tragic incident happened at 12:15 a.m. and involved four motor vehicles — two Isuzu buses (UBF 614X belonging to Nile Star Coaches and UAM 045V operated by Planet Company), a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07), and a Tata Lorry (UBK 647C).
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the Nile Star bus traveling from Kampala towards Gulu attempted to overtake the Tata Lorry at the same time the Planet Company bus, coming from the opposite direction, also tried to overtake the Toyota Surf. The two buses reportedly collided head-on during the overtaking maneuver.
“One of the drivers swerved in an attempt to avoid 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,” said SP Kananura Michael, the Police Traffic and Road Safety spokesperson.
All occupants of the involved vehicles are believed to have perished, with 63 deaths confirmed so far and several others critically injured. The injured were rushed to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the same hospital mortuary for post-mortem and identification.
Police have described the incident as one of the deadliest road crashes in recent years and have urged motorists to exercise maximum caution, especially avoiding dangerous overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of road accidents in Uganda.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a quick recovery to the injured,” the police statement concluded.
The Kampala–Gulu Highway has been notorious for fatal road crashes, with authorities continuously warning motorists to observe road discipline and speed limits.
