President Yoweri Museveni has ordered for Shs 5 million payment to bereaved families which have lost their loved one in the tragic accident along Gulu highway.
“I have learnt with sadness about the tragic accident that occurred this morning along the Kampala–Gulu highway, claiming many lives,” Museveni said.
“I extend my condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a quick recovery. I have directed the State House Comptroller to give Shs 5 million to each bereaved family and Shs 1 million to the injured,” he said.
He urged all road users to exercise utmost caution to prevent such tragedies.
Earlier today, 46 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured in a fatal road crash that occurred at Kitaleba Village, near Asili Farm, along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.
The fatal crash involved four motor vehicles: UBF 614X, an Isuzu bus (Nile Star Coaches); CGO 5132AB 07, a Toyota Surf; UBK 647C, a Tata Lorry; and UAM 045V, an Isuzu bus (Planet Company).
SP Michael Kananura, the Public Relations Officer for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety of the Police, said initial investigations indicate that the driver of UBF 614X, travelling from Kampala towards Gulu, attempted to overtake the Tata Lorry (UBK 647C) at the aforementioned location.
Simultaneously, the Isuzu bus (UAM 045V), travelling from the opposite direction, was also attempting to overtake the Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07).
He said both buses met head-on during the overtaking manoeuvres. One of the drivers swerved in an attempt to avoid the collision, but this resulted in a head-on and side impact, causing a chain reaction that led to the other vehicles losing control and overturning several times. As a result, 46 people lost their lives, all of whom were occupants of the involved vehicles, and several others sustained injuries.
“The Police arrived at the scene promptly and transported the injured to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities. The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to the same hospital mortuary for post-mortem and identification,” he said.
He added that as investigations continue, the Police 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.
