Nwoya, Uganda: Seven people have been confirmed dead following a fatal road crash involving a bus belonging to Nile Star Coaches and a trailer in Lapok Mor Village, Nwoya District, in yet another reminder of Uganda’s growing road safety crisis.
According to Traffic Police Spokesperson, SP Michael Kananura, the crash occurred at around 1:15 AM on Monday, May 4, 2026, when an Isuzu bus (registration UBP 736U) collided head-on with a Benz Actros trailer (registration SSD 040A/SSD 498C).
Preliminary findings indicate that the bus, travelling from Arua, attempted to overtake two vehicles before crashing into the oncoming trailer.
Four passengers died instantly at the scene, while 16 others were rushed to Anak Hospital with injuries. Police later confirmed that three more victims succumbed, bringing the death toll to seven.
The driver, Abugo Mandella Kadin, is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Eyewitnesses say the driver had been speeding and driving recklessly throughout the journey, with passenger concerns allegedly ignored by the conductor.
The crash adds to Uganda’s alarming road safety record. According to the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025, the country recorded over 23,000 road crashes, resulting in more than 5,000 deaths and over 20,000 injuries.
The report highlights reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, and speeding as leading causes of fatal accidents, patterns that appear consistent with the Nwoya crash.
Night travel has also been identified as a high-risk period due to poor visibility, fatigue, and reduced enforcement.
Police have reiterated warnings to drivers, especially those operating public service vehicles, to prioritise passenger safety and avoid risky manoeuvres.
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