14 Dead, 28 Injured in Tragic Bus-Trailer Collision on Kampala-Gulu Highway

Tragedy struck the Kampala-Gulu highway late Tuesday night as a severe head-on collision claimed the lives of 14 people and left 28 others injured. The incident, which occurred around 9:30 p.m. in Kulu Otit village, Bobi sub-county, involved an Opit Travellers bus travelling towards Gulu and a trailer heading towards Kampala.

The injured victims sustained varying degrees of trauma and are currently receiving medical attention at multiple health facilities in Gulu city, including Lacor Hospital, Gulu Independent Hospital, and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.

Police have confirmed that the drivers of both the bus and the trailer were among those who perished at the scene. Authorities are working diligently to identify all victims and inform their next of kin. Aswa West regional police spokesperson, David Ongom Mudong, stated that the confirmed death toll stands at 14, with 28 injured.

Preliminary findings from the police suggest that excessive speeding by the bus driver may have been the primary cause of the accident. However, eyewitness accounts offer a different perspective, suggesting the bus driver may have swerved to avoid an intoxicated pedestrian, inadvertently entering the path of the oncoming trailer.

This incident underscores the ongoing issue of road safety on major Ugandan highways. Police attribute many accidents to human error and have urged motorists to exercise greater discipline. They also appeal to passengers to be more vigilant and speak up against dangerous driving.

The Kampala-Gulu highway has unfortunately been the site of numerous fatal accidents, with speeding and reckless overtaking frequently cited as contributing factors.