Police Revise Death Toll from Kampala–Gulu Highway Crash to 46

The Uganda Police Force has revised the number of fatalities from the tragic road crash that occurred along the Kampala–Gulu Highway at Kitaleeba Village, confirming that 46 people have so far been confirmed dead.

According to an official update issued on October 22, 2025, by SP Michael Kananura, the Traffic Police spokesperson, the latest figures were obtained through a verification process conducted jointly with health and emergency services.

Earlier reports had placed the death toll at 63, but police clarified that some of the victims initially believed to have died were later found alive but unconscious and receiving treatment.

“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. We are working closely with health and emergency services to ensure accurate and timely updates as the situation develops said Kananura.

The accident, which happened at around 12:15 a.m., involved four vehicles: an Isuzu bus registration number UBF 614X (Nile Star Coaches), a Toyota Surf CGO 5132AB 07, a Tata Lorry UBK 647C, and another Isuzu bus UAM 045V belonging to Planet Company.

According to SP Michael Kananura, the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate spokesperson, the crash occurred when the driver of the Nile Star bus (UBF 614X), heading from Kampala to Gulu, attempted to overtake the Tata Lorry (UBK 647C).

At the same moment, the Planet Company bus (UAM 045V), travelling from the opposite direction, was overtaking the Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07).

Both buses reportedly collided head-on during the simultaneous overtaking manoeuvres. One of the drivers tried to swerve to avoid impact, but the attempt led to a chain reaction of collisions, with some vehicles overturning multiple times.