Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala has called on motorists and road users to exercise greater caution and responsibility following the fatal crash along the Kampala–Gulu Highway that claimed 46 lives.
In his statement issued on Thursday, Gen. Katumba described the accident as a painful reminder of the consequences of recklessness on the road.
He urged Ugandans to value human life above speed and deadlines.
“We call upon all motorists and road users to exercise maximum caution, patience, and responsibility on the road. No journey or deadline is worth a human life,” he said.
The Minister expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and wished a quick recovery to those who sustained injuries in the crash, which occurred in the early hours of October 22, 2025 at Kitaleba Village, Kiryandongo District.
“The Ministry of Works and Transport expresses its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives in the tragic road crash that occurred early yesterday morning, 22nd October 2025, at Kitaleeba Village along the Kampala-Gulu Highway,” the statement read.
He also commended the Uganda Police Force, emergency responders, and medical personnel who acted swiftly to rescue survivors and provide treatment.
Police indicated on Wednesday that the collision, which happened around 12:15 a.m. near Asili Farm, 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).
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety attributed the accident to speeding and dangerous overtaking.
“Preliminary reports... indicate that the crash involved multiple vehicles and was caused by speeding and dangerous overtaking, a reminder of how one act of recklessness can cost dozens of innocent lives,” Gen. Katumba said.
Police confirmed on Wednesday that 46 people had died in the accident, revising an earlier death toll of 63, after some of those initially presumed dead were later found alive.
Gen. Katumba said the Ministry is working closely with police and local authorities to determine the full cause of the tragedy and will update the public once investigations are complete.
“As soon as the investigations are completed, we shall update the public on the findings, actions taken and way forward,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening road safety campaigns and education programmes to prevent further loss of life.
“The Ministry continues to intensify various road safety initiatives and education to prevent and curb loss of lives as a result of road crashes,” he said.