A tragic road accident on the Kampala-Gulu highway has claimed the lives of six people and left five others injured. The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of October 16, 2024, at around 3:30 am at Sinalya, a location along the busy highway. The accident involved three vehicles, and according to traffic police, it was caused by reckless overtaking.
SP Michael Kananura, the Community Liaison Officer and Public Relations Officer for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, confirmed the incident on social media. He stated that the crash was triggered when the driver of a Fuso truck, traveling from Kampala to Gulu, attempted to overtake without proper caution. The truck collided head-on with an oncoming Toyota Hiace, which was moving in the opposite direction. The collision proved deadly, resulting in six fatalities.
The five injured victims were immediately rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or injured.
The fatal crash has raised concerns over reckless driving and overtaking, which continue to pose significant risks to road safety. SP Kananura urged drivers to exercise caution on the roads, reminding the public of the importance of defensive driving and respecting fellow road users. He emphasized that reckless overtaking endangers lives and called on all motorists to follow traffic rules, remain alert, and prioritize road safety at all times.
Kananura also highlighted several essential road safety guidelines, including defensive driving, obeying traffic signs and regulations, and avoiding distractions while on the road. His message was a stark reminder of the preventable nature of many road accidents, especially when basic traffic rules are ignored.
| Crash Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | October 16, 2024, at 3:30 am |
| Location | Sinalya, Kampala-Gulu Road |
| Vehicles Involved | Fuso Truck, Toyota Hiace |
| Cause of Crash | Reckless overtaking by Fuso truck driver |
| Casualties | 6 dead, 5 injured |
In a follow-up statement, Kananura expressed gratitude to the public for their vigilance and contributions in reporting reckless drivers. He reassured the public that swift action is being taken to hold such drivers accountable and urged people to continue sharing information about dangerous driving behavior to help reduce the risk of accidents.
An incident of reckless driving involving a bus driver who was caught operating a vehicle while using a mobile phone also surfaced recently. The driver was arrested along the Bombo-Kalulu section of the Gulu Highway after a video of his dangerous behavior went viral. Kananura thanked the public for their reports and emphasized that law enforcement authorities are closely monitoring the roads to ensure that such risky behavior does not go unpunished.
The Kampala-Gulu highway, like many other major roads in Uganda, is prone to accidents due to heavy traffic and frequent instances of risky driving behavior. The authorities have called for greater awareness and responsibility among all road users to help prevent such tragedies from recurring.
