The Uganda Red Cross Society has deployed four ambulances to support the transfer and referral of patients for specialised treatment following Wednesday’s fatal accident along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.
The crash, which occurred at around 12:15 am on October 22 in Kitaleba Village near Asili Farm in Kiryandongo District, has so far claimed 46 lives and left several others critically injured.
The tragic collision involved four vehicles, two Isuzu buses, registration numbers UBF 614X (Nile Star Coaches) and UAM 045V (Planet Company), a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07), and a Tata lorry (UBK 647C).
Uganda Red Cross spokesperson Irene Nakasiita said while much of the attention has been on the number of lives lost, it is equally important to focus on the survivors who are still battling for their lives.
“Whereas much of the attention has rightfully been focused on the number of lives lost in the tragic Kampala–Gulu highway accident, it is equally important to spotlight the survivors who are critically injured and still fighting for their lives,” Nakasiita said.
She added that the organisation had deployed four ambulances to strengthen the ongoing emergency response and facilitate the transfer of patients to hospitals offering specialised care.
“To strengthen the ongoing emergency response, four additional Uganda Red Cross ambulances have been deployed to support the immediate transfer and referral of patients to various regional referral hospitals for specialised care and further management,” she stated.
Nakasiita noted that the Red Cross is working hand in hand with health professionals and other emergency responders to ensure that all survivors receive the urgent care they need.
“We are working closely with health professionals and emergency responders to ensure that every life receives the urgent attention it deserves,” she added.
According to a police statement released on Wednesday, the total number of confirmed fatalities from the accident stands at 46.
The statement also clarified earlier reports that had placed the death toll at 63, explaining that some of the individuals initially presumed dead were later found alive.
“We confirm that the total number of fatalities resulting from the tragic fatal crash along the Kampala–Gulu Highway at Kitaleba Village stands at 46, according to the latest update from the hospital,” the police said.
Emergency and rescue teams have continued to transport survivors to regional referral hospitals as efforts to save lives remain underway.