News
One dead, four injured in Kampala-Gulu Highway crash
“As the truck driver signalled and attempted to pull over to a safe spot, the trailing Hiace rammed into the rear of the truck,” Kananura said.
Michael Kananura, the spokesperson of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety at the Uganda Police Force. (File photo)
By: Simon Masaba, Journalist @New Vision
________________
One person has died, and four others sustained injuries in a road crash along the Kampala-Gulu Highway in Kiryandongo District.
The accident occurred at about 6:15am on Thursday, August 27, at Latworo and involved a Toyota Hiace van, registration number UBP 015X, and a Fuso truck, registration number UA 350DF.
Michael Kananura, the spokesperson of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety at the Uganda Police Force, said preliminary investigations indicate that the truck developed a sudden tyre burst.
“As the truck driver signalled and attempted to pull over to a safe spot, the trailing Hiace rammed into the rear of the truck,” Kananura said.
The four injured passengers were rushed to Lacor Hospital for treatment, while the body of the deceased was taken to Kiryandongo Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
Police said investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.
Kananura said mechanical defects, including tyre bursts and faulty steering systems, remain a major road safety concern, alongside speeding, reckless driving and dangerous overtaking.
The latest crash comes amid growing concern over road accidents across the country, with several fatal crashes reported in recent months.
Police said investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.
Kananura said mechanical defects, including tyre bursts and faulty steering systems, remain a major road safety concern, alongside speeding, reckless driving and dangerous overtaking.
The latest crash comes amid growing concern over road accidents across the country, with several fatal crashes reported in recent months.
In response, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has intensified enforcement operations targeting vehicles deemed unfit for use.
Kananura said more than 178 public service vehicles have been impounded in the Kampala Metropolitan Area for being in a Dangerous Mechanical Condition.
The vehicles had defects including faulty brakes, worn-out tyres and compromised structural components.
Traffic statistics
While releasing the 2025 annual traffic statistics in April this year, Traffic and Safety Directorate Director at the Uganda Police Force, Lawrence Niwabiine, said a total of 26,044 road traffic crashes were reported in 2025, compared to 25,107 crashes recorded in 2024, representing an increase of 3.7%.
Niwabiine said that of the 26,044 crashes, 4,602 were fatal, meaning that one or more lives were lost, while 13,563 were serious and 7,879 were minor.
Kananura said more than 178 public service vehicles have been impounded in the Kampala Metropolitan Area for being in a Dangerous Mechanical Condition.
The vehicles had defects including faulty brakes, worn-out tyres and compromised structural components.
Traffic statistics
While releasing the 2025 annual traffic statistics in April this year, Traffic and Safety Directorate Director at the Uganda Police Force, Lawrence Niwabiine, said a total of 26,044 road traffic crashes were reported in 2025, compared to 25,107 crashes recorded in 2024, representing an increase of 3.7%.
Niwabiine said that of the 26,044 crashes, 4,602 were fatal, meaning that one or more lives were lost, while 13,563 were serious and 7,879 were minor.