KIRYANDONGO, Uganda (AP) – A devastating multi-vehicle collision in Kiryandongo, Uganda, has claimed the lives of at least 46 people, authorities confirmed Wednesday. The crash, involving multiple vehicles including buses and trucks, underscores a troubling surge in road fatalities across the East African nation.
The incident occurred overnight, a factor complicating rescue efforts, according to police and eyewitness accounts. “The magnitude of this incident is so big,” said Nakasiita, a local responder. “At night even bystanders are not there,” leaving accident victims with limited immediate assistance. Moast of the injured are currently receiving treatment at a nearby government hospital.
Uganda has seen a marked increase in road deaths in recent years. Official police figures show 5,144 people were killed in road crashes in 2024, up from 4,806 in 2023 and 4,534 in 2022. Careless overtaking and speeding are cited as major contributing factors, accounting for 44.5% of all crashes documented in 2024.
Police issued a statement urging motorists to exercise caution and avoid perilous overtaking maneuvers.Road safety campaigners point to a broader set of issues, including poor infrastructure and lax enforcement of traffic regulations, especially for heavy vehicles operating at night.
“These crashes are just a cruel reminder that we still have a long way to go,” said Joseph Beyanga, a road safety advocate who campaigns under the name Joe Walker. “On the government side, there is total absence of enforcement. What’s happening on the roads is anarchy.” Beyanga is organizing a memorial walk of over 60 kilometers (37 miles) in November to commemorate the hundreds of thousands killed or injured in road crashes in Uganda over the years.
Note: The initial death toll reported by police was revised from 63 to 46 after it was determined some individuals initially counted as deceased were unconscious but alive.
