OMORO, Uganda — At least 14 people have been killed and 28 others injured following a devastating head-on collision involving a passenger bus and a trailer at Bobi Trading Centre along the Kampala–Gulu Highway in Omoro District.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the fatal crash occurred at around 9:34 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, involving an Isuzu bus (registration UBE 110H) belonging to Opit Travellers Company and a Mercedes-Benz Actros trailer (registration KBS 564D/ZE 7948).
In a statement, Police spokesperson for Traffic and Road Safety, SP Michael Kananura, said preliminary investigations indicate that the bus driver was allegedly speeding when he attempted to avoid hitting a pedestrian who was crossing the road at Bobi Trading Centre.
“The driver of the bus who was allegedly speeding attempted to avoid a pedestrian crossing the road, lost control of the vehicle and collided head-on with the oncoming trailer,” Kananura said.
Police confirmed that 14 people died at the scene, while 28 survivors sustained varying injuries. The injured were rushed to various health facilities in the region for emergency medical treatment.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased as efforts continue to notify their next of kin.
Police have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with officers examining the scene and interviewing witnesses to establish the full sequence of events.
Following the tragedy, police urged motorists to exercise greater caution, particularly when driving at night.
“We urge all motorists to strictly observe speed limits, especially during the night when visibility is reduced. Drivers are also reminded to remain vigilant, anticipate pedestrian movement in trading centres and always drive at speeds that allow them to stop safely,” Kananura said.
The Kampala–Gulu Highway is one of Uganda’s busiest transport corridors, linking the capital to Northern Uganda. The route has witnessed numerous fatal crashes over the years, with speeding, reckless driving, poor visibility, and pedestrian activity in trading centres cited among the leading causes of accidents.
Leaders in Northern Uganda expressed shock and grief over the tragedy. Kilak North Member of Parliament Anthony Akol extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a quick recovery, while local authorities in Gulu City coordinated emergency support for survivors.
The latest crash adds to the growing concern over road safety in Uganda, where road traffic accidents continue to claim thousands of lives annually. According to the Uganda Police Force’s latest annual crime and traffic reports, speeding remains one of the leading causes of fatal road crashes in the country.
Police said investigations are ongoing and appealed to road users to observe traffic regulations to prevent further loss of life.
