A devastating crash between two buses on Uganda’s Kampala-Gulu highway has killed at least 46 people, with the death toll expected to rise due to severe injuries sustained by survivors.

The collision took place just after midnight on October 22, 2025 and was caused by two buses coming from opposite directions.

In their initial statement, police reported that at least 63 people had been confirmed dead. However, hours after the 8 am statement, police said that some of the injured had been mistakenly declared dead after they were found unconscious, bringing the number of those dead to 46.

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

The police added that “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”.

“Those travelling in the truck and the car were injured and taken to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities, the statement said. It did not give further details on the number injured or the extent of their wounds.

In his statement, President Yoweri extended his condolences, directing Ush5m (184,350) to the bereaved families and Ush1m (36,870) to those injured.

The tragedy has sparked national mourning and renewed calls for stricter traffic enforcement and better highway infrastructure. Social media has been flooded with condolences and demands for accountability.

The Kampala-Gulu Highway is one of Uganda’s busiest as it connects the capital with the biggest town in northern Uganda.