At least 63 people dead after two buses collide in Uganda

At least 63 people have been killed and several others injured in an accident involving multiple vehicles on a highway in western Uganda, police said Wednesday.

The accident happened after midnight local time on the highway to Gulu, a major city in northern Uganda.

Four vehicles, including two buses, were involved in the collision. Two bus drivers going in opposite directions attempted to overtake other vehicles and collided head-on, according to police.

“In the process, both buses met head-on during the overtaking manoeuvres,” the police statement said.

“One of the drivers swerved in an attempt to avoid collision, but this resulted in a head on and side collision, causing a chain reaction that led to other vehicles losing control and overturning several times.

“As a result, 63 people lost lives, all occupants from involved vehicles and several others sustained injuries.”

Fatal road crashes are common in Uganda, where roads are often narrow. Police usually blame such accidents on speeding drivers.

“As investigations continue, we strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, especially avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of crashes in the country,” the police said.