Kiryandongo, Uganda: Mangled wreckage, cries for help, and the flashing lights of emergency vehicles marked the grim aftermath of Wednesday’s fatal crash that claimed at least 63 lives along the Kampala–Gulu Highway near Asili Farm, Kitaleba Village.
Police and eyewitnesses described scenes of unimaginable devastation after two passenger buses; Nile Star Coaches (UBF 614X) and Planet Company (UAM 045V) collided head-on during simultaneous overtaking maneuvers, dragging a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07) and a Tata Lorry (UBK 647C) into the carnage.
“I heard a loud bang that shook the whole village,” said one Opio, a boda boda rider who was among the first at the scene. “When we reached, there were bodies on the road and people crying for help. The buses were still smoking.”
Another witness, Sarah Akello, a food vendor near Asili Farm, says the two buses must been overtaking recklessly moments before the crash. “I think they were both trying to pass other cars. Within seconds, everything turned into screams and fire. It was horrific.”
A rescue volunteer, Moses Ogwang, described the situation as overwhelming. “We couldn’t tell who was alive or dead. Some people were trapped in the seats, others thrown onto the tarmac.”
Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura reiterated that investigations are ongoing but attributed the crash to “reckless overtaking and human error.”
“This is one of the deadliest road accidents we have recorded in years,” he said. “We urge all motorists to desist from dangerous overtaking and adhere to road safety guidelines.”
Local leaders in Kiryandongo called for immediate installation of warning signage, improved lighting, and stronger enforcement of speed regulations along the Kampala–Gulu route, a highway notorious for fatal crashes.
By Wednesday midmorning, hundreds had gathered at Kiryandongo Hospital to identify relatives. Grief filled the hospital compound as police read out names of those confirmed dead. Religious leaders offered prayers for the victims and comforted the survivors.
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