At least 63 people have died and several others were injured after two buses collided head-on in a horrific four-vehicle crash on the Kampala-Gulu Highway, one of Uganda’s busiest roads, police confirmed on Wednesday.

The tragic accident occurred shortly after midnight near Kitaleba village, when both buses, travelling in opposite directions, attempted to overtake other vehicles — a lorry and a sport utility vehicle (SUV) — at the same time.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Uganda Police Force said: “In the process, both buses met head-on during the overtaking manoeuvres. Sixty-three people lost their lives, all occupants from the involved vehicles.”

Four-vehicle pile-up and dozens injured

Both buses were full of passengers when the collision occurred. The impact caused a chain reaction, as the buses were left mangled on the road and other cars overturned while trying to avoid the wreckage.

Emergency officials who arrived at the scene found dozens of injured passengers scattered along the roadside. Many were rushed to Kiryandongo Hospital in critical condition.

Police fear the death toll could rise due to the severity of the injuries sustained by several victims.

Details of collision and ongoing investigation

According to the police report, the two other vehicles involved in the crash were identified as a Toyota car and a Tata lorry truck, both badly damaged.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the exact cause of the accident, but initial findings point to dangerous overtaking as the leading factor.

Both buses were operated by different transport companies commonly used for long-distance travel in Uganda.

Police urge caution on roads

The director of Traffic and Road Safety, Kananura Michael, described the incident as a “grim reminder” of the dangers of reckless driving on busy highways.

He said: “As investigations continue, we strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, especially avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of crashes in the country.”

Michael also expressed condolences, adding: “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the deceased and wish a quick recovery to the injured.”

Recent road tragedies in Uganda

This devastating crash comes just weeks after another deadly bus incident, in which one person died and six were injured after a wandering elephant struck a passenger vehicle near Karuma, also along the Kampala-Gulu route.

In that earlier accident, the bus driver succumbed to injuries, while six others were taken to hospital in critical condition, highlighting growing concerns over road safety and wildlife hazards in northern Uganda.

The Kampala-Gulu Highway, a key route linking Uganda’s capital with the north, has long been notorious for high-speed crashes and reckless overtaking incidents.