Two Trailers Erupt in Flames After Head-On Collision on Gulu-Nimule Highway

Traffic came to a standstill for several hours on Saturday along the crucial Gulu-Nimule Highway when two large cargo trailers met in a devastating head-on collision. The fiery accident occurred around 10 am at Awer Trading Centre in Amuru District.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that one of the trailers, en route to Juba, South Sudan, veered into the path of an oncoming trailer heading towards Gulu from the South Sudanese border. The collision, which involved a truck reportedly carrying a substantial load of steel, immediately ignited a fierce inferno that engulfed both vehicles.

While the Police Fire Brigade successfully extinguished the blaze, the burning wreckage completely blocked the highway, leading to extensive traffic gridlock. As of Saturday evening, police had not confirmed any casualties. The drivers and any potential passengers’ whereabouts remained unknown, pending a full report from on-site traffic officers.

“We are still waiting for a comprehensive report from the traffic officers deployed at the scene,” stated Aswa West Regional Police Spokesperson David Ongom.

The Gulu-Nimule Highway is a vital economic route connecting Uganda to several neighboring countries, including South Sudan and the DRC. Despite its strategic importance, the road is tragically known for frequent and severe accidents, often attributed to speeding, reckless driving, and driver fatigue on long journeys.

This incident highlights persistent road safety challenges in Uganda, even as overall traffic incident numbers have reportedly declined. The 2025 Police Annual Crime Report indicated a decrease in traffic-related cases last year compared to the previous year, though accidents like this underscore the ongoing need for improved safety measures.