Driver dies as bus collides with elephant near Karuma

KIRYANDONGO - Tragedy struck early Monday, August 25, 2025, morning when a Makome Bus Company driver lost his life after the bus he was driving collided with a stray elephant near Karuma in Kiryandongo district.

The incident occurred around 1:30am near Obindu, close to Karuma Travellers Inn, as the bus was travelling from Gulu to Kampala city.

Reports reaching New Vision Online indicate the vehicle struck one of four elephants that had wandered from Murchison Falls National Park and were crossing the road.

Makome Bus Company director Charles Okot identified the deceased driver as Patrick Okema, a resident of Palabek. Okema was rushed to Restoration Gateway Hospital in Karuma but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

A female passenger seated directly behind the driver also reportedly died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Emergency response teams quickly transported six passengers with critical injuries to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital for specialised care. Those with less severe injuries were taken to Kiryandongo Hospital and St Mary’s Hospital Lacor, where they are currently receiving treatment.

The wreckage of the bus has been impounded and taken to Dima Police Station as investigations into the cause of the accident are underway.

This tragic accident has sparked renewed calls from local leaders and the bus company for the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to take urgent measures to prevent wild animals from straying onto busy highways.

Both parties blame the lack of adequate fencing or barriers around the park boundaries as a key factor contributing to these dangerous encounters between wildlife and motorists.

Residents and officials are urging UWA to install electric fences or dig protective trenches along the park borders, particularly along the Gulu-Kampala highway, to reduce the risk of future accidents involving wildlife and to safeguard both human lives and animal habitats.