Kiryandongo, Uganda: Police’s Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has clarified the death toll from Tuesday’s fatal road crash along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, saying the actual number of passengers that perished in the tragedy is 46 passengers, not 63 as earlier reported.
In a fresh update issued on Wednesday afternoon, SP Michael Kananura, the Traffic Police spokesperson, said the new figure followed a verification process at Kiryandongo General Hospital and other nearby health facilities.
“We confirm that the total number of fatalities resulting from the tragic crash along the Kampala–Gulu Highway at Kitaleeba Village stands at 46, according to the latest update from the hospital,” SP Kananura stated.
He explained that initial figures were based on incomplete information from the chaotic rescue operation, during which several unconscious victims were mistakenly recorded among the dead.
“At the time of the crash, several victims were found unconscious, and some may have been mistakenly included in the initial fatality count,” he clarified.
Kananura said police are working closely with medical and emergency teams to provide accurate updates and ensure all victims are properly identified.
“We are working in close coordination with health and emergency services to ensure accurate and timely updates as the situation develops,” he added.
The clarification comes hours after the horrific collision that occurred at 12:15 a.m. near Asili Farm in Kitaleeba Village, involving two Isuzu buses — UBF 614X (Nile Star Coaches) and UAM 045V (Planet Company) — a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07), and a Tata Lorry (UBK 647C).
Earlier on Wednesday, President Yoweri Museveni and NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong issued apparent condolence messages, with the President directing UGX 5 million for each bereaved family and UGX 1 million to those injured.
Kananura described the accident as one of the deadliest in recent years and urged motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking, which remains the leading cause of major road crashes in Uganda.
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