Bus Collision Near Uganda’s Capital Kampala Kills 63
A horrific bus crash on a highway near Uganda’s capital, Kampala, has left 63 people dead and many injured. The collision, involving a passenger bus and a truck, occurred in the early hours of Monday, reigniting concerns over East Africa’s road safety crisis.
What Happened in the Kampala-Masaka Highway Crash?
The accident took place on the Kampala-Masaka highway, a notorious route for fatal crashes. Reports indicate the bus was speeding when it collided head-on with a cargo truck, crushing the vehicle and trapping passengers. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as emergency teams worked to free survivors.
Many victims died instantly, while others succumbed to injuries in hospitals. Local officials confirmed men, women, and children were among the dead, with some families completely wiped out.
Rescue Efforts and Government Reaction
Ugandan police, firefighters, and medical teams rushed to the scene, but the severe wreckage complicated rescue efforts. President Yoweri Museveni called the crash a “national tragedy” and ordered an investigation.
Critics blame Uganda’s poor road safety record on reckless driving, bad road conditions, and weak law enforcement. Authorities have pledged stricter speed limits and vehicle checks, but past promises have gone unfulfilled.
Uganda’s Road Safety Crisis in Focus
This tragedy highlights Africa’s dangerous roads, where the World Health Organization (WHO) reports the world’s highest road fatality rates (26.6 deaths per 100,000 people). In Uganda, overloaded buses, poor maintenance, and driver fatigue contribute to thousands of annual deaths.
Calls for Immediate Road Safety Reforms
Transport experts and activists demand urgent action, including:
1. Stricter traffic law enforcement (speeding, drunk driving, overloading).
2. Road upgrades (repairs, widening hazardous stretches).
3. Public safety campaigns to change driver behavior.
4. Better emergency response systems for crash victims.
Mourning and Next Steps
Families are burying loved ones, with some still awaiting body identification. The Ugandan Red Cross is assisting survivors and grieving relatives.
Conclusion: Will This Tragedy Spur Change?
While condolences pour in, Uganda needs real policy changes to prevent future crashes. Until then, the Kampala-Masaka highway remains a deadly reminder of neglected road safety.
Follow trusted news sources for updates on this developing story.
