Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a tragic incident on Wednesday morning, a horrific collision between two buses and two additional vehicles occurred on a highway in western Uganda, resulting in at least 46 fatalities, as reported by police. Initially, there were reports of 63 deaths, but authorities later confirmed that many victims found unconscious were still alive. This devastating accident represents one of the worst road incidents in recent Ugandan history and sheds light on the escalating issue of negligent driving and inadequate road safety enforcement in the area.

The collision, which took place near Kiryandongo on the route to the major northern city of Gulu, was a result of the two buses attempting to overtake vehicles in oncoming lanes, resulting in a catastrophic crash. Eyewitness accounts and first responders described the scene as horrifying, with victims experiencing severe injuries. This incident reiterates the perils of reckless overtaking and high speeds on the narrow highways common in East Africa.

Fatal road incidents are prevalent in Uganda and broader East Africa, frequently linked to speeding, careless overtaking, and poor infrastructure. For instance, in August, a bus in southwestern Kenya overturned, leading to the deaths of 25 individuals and numerous injuries. Red Cross reports indicate that the scale of the recent crash is extraordinarily high, with emergency response efforts notably hindered during nighttime incidents when fewer people are available to assist.

The majority of the injured from the Kiryandongo crash are presently receiving care at a local government hospital. Road fatalities in Uganda have alarmingly increased, with 5,144 deaths reported in 2024, up from 4,806 in 2023 and 4,534 in 2022, according to police figures. Careless overtaking and high speeds have been cited as contributing factors in 44.5% of all accidents recorded this year. This tragic incident reinforces the pressing necessity for better enforcement of traffic laws and road safety protocols.

Road safety advocates stress the importance of raising public consciousness and the strict application of traffic regulations, particularly for heavy vehicles operating at night. Joseph Beyanga, a dedicated campaigner for road safety, remarked that the Kiryandongo collision highlights the considerable journey Uganda must undertake to prevent further road tragedies. He has organized various awareness initiatives and memorial events, including a 60 km walk planned for November to honor the lives lost from traffic accidents throughout the years.

As investigations into the Kiryandongo incident progress, Ugandan officials are urging drivers to remain vigilant and refrain from hazardous overtaking practices. This heartbreaking accident serves as a blunt reminder that enhanced infrastructure, stringent enforcement, and effective driver education are vital to curbing fatalities and injuries on Uganda's roads.

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