What we know about fatal crash involving elephant in Murchison
Preliminary investigations indicate that the Toyota Hiace registration number UA 20121AA was travelling from Arua city to Kampala after official duty when it rammed into the elephant before the driver lost control of the vehicle.
Police have since urged motorists to exercise caution while driving through wildlife-protected areas, particularly at night, and to strictly observe speed limits.
NWOYA - Three people have died and four others sustained injuries after a vehicle carrying Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) officials collided with an elephant at a crossing inside Murchison Falls National Park in Nwoya district.
The fatal crash occurred on the night of May 24, 2026, at about 8:00 pm along the Arua road within the park, according to the police.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the Toyota Hiace registration number UA 20121AA was travelling from Arua city to Kampala after official duty when it rammed into the elephant before the driver lost control of the vehicle.
Police said the vehicle was carrying seven URA officials at the time of the crash. Three occupants died on the spot, while four others, including the driver, sustained injuries.
The injured victims were initially rushed to Kiryandongo Hospital for treatment before later being transferred to Kampala for further management.
Bodies of the deceased were taken to Anaka Hospital Mortuary pending postmortem examinations.
Road crashes involving wildlife are not uncommon within Uganda’s protected areas, especially during night travel when visibility is reduced, and animals frequently cross highways cutting through national parks.
Police have since urged motorists to exercise caution while driving through wildlife-protected areas, particularly at night, and to strictly observe speed limits.