Victims of Kampala-Gulu Highway crash named
The tragedy, which occurred on July 7, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM at the Kulo-Otit trading centre in Bobi sub-county, Omoro District, involved an Opit Travellers passenger bus registration number UBE1101H heading to Gulu and a Kenyan-registered commercial trailer registration number KBS564B travelling from Juba, South Sudan toward Kampala.
Traffic Police have released the identities of the 15 people killed and the 21 who were critically injured following a horrific Tuesday road accident. (Credit: Police)
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Traffic Police have released the identities of the 15 people killed and the 21 who were critically injured following a horrific Tuesday night head-on collision along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.
The tragedy, which occurred on July 7, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM at the Kulo-Otit trading centre in Bobi sub-county, Omoro District, involved an Opit Travellers passenger bus registration number UBE1101H heading to Gulu and a Kenyan-registered commercial trailer registration number KBS564B travelling from Juba, South Sudan toward Kampala.
Police confirmed that the fatalities include the drivers of the bus and trailer, a passenger in the trailer, and 12 passengers who were travelling in the bus.
The 15 Deceased Victims are;
The police have fully identified all fifteen individuals who lost their lives in the crash:
-Abdul Ismail, 55, the driver of the Opit Travellers bus.
-Umar Ahmed Husein, the Kenyan national driving the commercial trailer.
-Ahmed Aden, a resident of Mombasa, Kenya, who was travelling as a passenger on the trailer.
-Justine Aguti Jesse, 23, a resident of Koch Goma in Nwoya District.
-Bosco Ojok, 60, a resident of Layibi in Gulu City.
-Ajok Harriet, 40, a resident of Commercial Road in Gulu City.
-Stanley Odoch Uhuru, 37, a resident of Pece Laroo in Gulu City.
-Rose Apiyo, 41, a resident of Laroo in Gulu City.
-Justine Ausi, 28, a resident of Koch Ongako in Omoro District.
-John Paul Ojok, 49, a resident of Gulu City.
-Walter Odong Uhuru, 37, a resident of Koch Oyaro in Omoro District.
-John Watmon, 78, a resident of Ongako Koch Goma.
-Godfrey Kinyera Acire, 35, a resident of Layibi in Gulu City.
-Philip Maniriho, 30, a resident of Tegwana in Gulu City.
-Musamin Kadara, 28, a resident of Kirombe Layibi in Gulu City.
Hospitalised survivors named
The impact left more than 40 people injured, with 24 passengers sustaining severe trauma. While medical teams at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital continue to provide emergency care, the police have published the names of 21 survivors currently being managed.
They are: Harriet Lamwaka, 28; Daniel Fortunate Wamimbi, 26, a student at Gulu University; Agnes Angom, 20; Happy Carol Anena, 42; Jordan Joshua Lakado, 21; Deo Oriba, 30; Martin Opio, 32; Charles Andama, 49; Robert Komakech, 40; Monica Acayo, 45; Florence Piloya, 46; Suzan Ayaa, 34; Ismail Adinan, 53; Esther Agenrwoth, 20; Charles Okello, 45; Jackline Acheng, 31; Suzan Achiro, 27; Stella Acheng, 42; Denis Limoo, 25, a trailer passenger from Eldoret, Kenya; James Kasumba, 45; and Steven Okee.
Speeding and sudden hazard under investigation
Preliminary investigations by the traffic police attribute the crash to speeding by both drivers during the late-night hours.
Aswa West River Regional Police Spokesperson David Ongom Mudong noted that the sheer velocity of both vehicles compounded the impact, causing instant fatalities for both drivers.
However, the management from the Opit Bus Company pointed to an immediate external trigger. Emmanuel Rubangakene, speaking on behalf of the company, stated that eyewitness accounts indicate an unexpected obstacle on the dark highway forced the fatal trajectory.
"A drunk man suddenly crossed the road, thereby causing the bus driver to lose control. This resulted in the collision with the oncoming lorry, which was also moving at high speed," Rubangakene explained.
In an official communiqué releasing the names, the police administration extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and commended the rapid response of local community members, medical personnel, and first responders.
The authorities issued a stern reminder to motorists regarding highway dangers, urging all road users to stringently observe traffic regulations, avoid speeding, and exercise maximum caution near trading centres to prevent further loss of life.