Three Killed, Four Injured After Vehicle Hits Elephant in Murchison Falls National Park

Three people have died and four others sustained injuries following a fatal road crash involving a Toyota Hiace motor vehicle, registration number UA 20121AA, and an elephant.

The crash occurred on the night of May 24, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m. along Arua Road within Murchison Falls National Park in Nwoya District.

According to SP Michael Kananura, the Traffic Police PRO/CLO, preliminary investigations indicate that the Toyota Hiace, which was carrying seven officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) travelling from Arua City to Kampala after official duty, struck an elephant that was crossing the road. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle following the collision.

Three occupants died on the spot, while four others, including the driver, sustained injuries.

Kananura said Police officers responded promptly and rushed the injured victims to Kiryandongo Hospital for emergency medical treatment before they were later transferred to Kampala for further management.

The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to Anaka Hospital Mortuary pending postmortem examinations.

Police have since urged motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving through national parks and wildlife-protected areas, particularly during night hours, and to strictly observe speed limits to prevent similar incidents.