Uganda’s police said 46 people were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the Kampala–Gulu Highway after two buses travelling in opposite directions attempted to overtake a lorry and a car and “met head-on” at about 00:15 local time (21:15 GMT). An initial count of 63 deaths was revised downward after some unconscious victims were found alive and taken for treatment.
Police said one bus swerved to avoid impact, triggering a head-on and side collision that caused other vehicles to lose control and overturn. Dozens were injured and taken to hospitals in the western town of Kiryandongo. An investigation has been opened, with police coordinating with health and emergency services to verify figures and determine the cause.
President Yoweri Museveni offered condolences and urged caution on the roads. He directed that each bereaved family receive five million shillings ($1,430; £1,070) and the injured one million shillings.
Police warned motorists against “dangerous and careless overtaking,” calling it one of the leading causes of crashes in the country. The Kampala–Gulu route, connecting the capital to northern Uganda, is among the nation’s busiest highways.