Uganda – A horrific road accident involving university students has claimed the lives of 15 people and left 33 others seriously injured, sending shockwaves across the country and plunging several families into mourning.
The devastating crash occurred late Sunday night along the Kampala–Gulu highway, near Migyera Trading Centre, as a bus carrying students from an end-of-semester retreat collided head-on with a truck loaded with sugarcane.
According to eyewitnesses, the bus, reportedly traveling at high speed, attempted to overtake another vehicle before losing control and ramming into the oncoming truck. The force of the impact crushed the front sections of both vehicles, instantly killing several passengers.
Authorities confirmed that the bus was carrying students from two universities, who had organized a joint trip to Murchison Falls National Park as part of their recreation program.
Savana Region Police Spokesperson, ASP Grace Abalo, described the scene as “one of the worst we’ve encountered in recent years.”
“The crash left the road scattered with debris, bodies, and injured students crying for help. Emergency responders worked into the early hours to rescue survivors,” she stated.
The 15 confirmed fatalities include 12 students, the bus driver, and two passengers in the truck. The 33 injured victims were rushed to Kiryandongo General Hospital and Mulago National Referral Hospital, with several in critical condition.
Family members and friends of the victims are reeling from the news, many gathering at hospitals and morgues in desperate search of their loved ones. Some parents reported having last spoken to their children just hours before the crash.
A joint investigation has been launched by traffic police and the Ministry of Transport to determine the exact cause of the accident, with preliminary reports pointing to reckless driving and poor visibility.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledged support to the affected families.
“This is a dark day for the education sector. We mourn the young lives lost and pray for the recovery of those injured,” the Ministry said in a statement.
Counseling services are being offered to survivors and students from the affected universities.
As the nation grieves, authorities have once again urged drivers to exercise caution on highways, especially when transporting large groups of passengers. This incident adds to a growing list of deadly road crashes that have raised urgent concerns about road safety and enforcement in Uganda.
