A Kampala-Gulu Highway crash on Sunday night killed five people and injured six others. As a result, concerns about road safety in Nakasongola District have grown once again.
The crash occurred at Kyalweza village in the northern part of the district. According to Mr. Sam Twineamazima, spokesperson for the Savannah Region Police, a Toyota Hiace (UA 415V) was heading to Gulu when it collided head-on with a Nissan (UBL 615T) coming from the opposite direction. Evidently, the Hiace driver lost control, veered off his lane, and struck the Nissan while speeding.
Because of the impact, five people died instantly. Meanwhile, emergency teams rushed the six injured survivors to Kiryandongo Hospital and Nakasongola Health Centre IV. The deceased were also transported to the health centre for postmortem examinations.
Importantly, this Kampala-Gulu Highway crash happened along a stretch of road that has become notorious for deadly accidents. The section between Luweero Town and Migyera features multiple crash blackspots. These include Bujaabe, Kyamukonwa, Namayonjo, Katuugo, Kapaburuli, Nalongo, and Kakooge. Consequently, the risk for both motorists and pedestrians remains high.
In fact, between May and June 2025 alone, police recorded 11 fatalities along this corridor. This pattern, unfortunately, reflects a growing danger on Uganda’s highways.
To put things into perspective, the Uganda Police traffic report for 2024, released in February 2025, revealed a worrying rise in crashes. The report documented 25,107 road accidents, an increase from 23,876 in 2023. Moreover, it reported 4,434 fatal accidents and 13,134 classified as serious. In total, 5,144 people died in road crashes in 2024—a noticeable jump from 4,806 the year before.
800 × 500
Clearly, the nation faces a major road safety crisis. See full Uganda Traffic Report 2024 from Uganda Police.
Following Sunday’s Kampala-Gulu Highway crash, Mr. Twineamazima strongly urged drivers to avoid speeding and reckless overtaking. He emphasized, “Many of these deaths are preventable if drivers obey traffic laws.”
Despite repeated warnings, the Kampala-Gulu Highway remains one of Uganda’s most hazardous roads. Several factors contribute to this, including poor lighting, limited signage, and high rates of driver negligence. Additionally, the lack of regular patrols makes enforcement difficult.
To address these issues, experts recommend urgent interventions. These include more visible road signs, frequent police patrols, and strict penalties for violators. Moreover, public awareness campaigns could help reduce careless behavior on the road.
The Uganda Ministry of Works and Transport has also called for coordinated action. Their recommendations include improving infrastructure, installing safety features like guardrails, and training drivers on defensive driving techniques. Learn how Uganda can improve road safety. You can also read our Uganda Traffic Safety Strategy 2025.
Ultimately, drivers must take personal responsibility. If you’re traveling on the Kampala-Gulu Highway, use caution. Follow speed limits. Be patient. Most importantly, remember that safe driving saves lives—not only your own but also those of others on the road.
