Three killed, eight injured in a late-night crash on Kampala–Gulu highway

LUWERO, UGANDA: At least three people died on the spot, and eight others were left nursing critical injuries following a head-on collision between a lorry and a passenger taxi along the Kampala–Gulu Highway last night.

The crash occurred at about 11:30 PM on Friday at Nkondo Village in Kalule, Nyimbwa Sub-county.

Police identified the vehicles involved as a Toyota Hiace minibus (UBR 333S) and a Tata lorry (UBG 873K). The identities of the drivers had not yet been established by press time.

According to Savannah Regional Police spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima, the crash was caused by a dangerous overtaking attempt.

“The lorry, which was transporting poles towards Kampala, attempted to overtake a line of vehicles, resulting in a head-on collision with an oncoming taxi,” he said.

The minibus was travelling from Kampala to Amolatar District at the time of the accident. All three victims, who died instantly, were male passengers aboard the taxi. Their identities had not yet been confirmed.

The injured, also passengers in the same vehicle, were rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital and Luwero Hospital for treatment.

Police said the bodies of the deceased were taken to Luwero Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination, while the wreckage of both vehicles was towed to Bombo Police Station as investigations take charge.

The Kampala–Gulu Highway remains one of Uganda’s busiest and most dangerous transport corridors, with frequent fatal accidents often linked to speeding and reckless overtaking, especially by heavy trucks at night.

Earlier this month, at least five people were killed in a separate accident involving a passenger bus and a stationary truck along the same highway.

Police have urged motorists to exercise caution and strictly observe traffic regulations to prevent further loss of life.