The charred structure of the Nile Star bus that was involved in the accident
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Six people have been confirmed dead and 14 others injured following a tragic road accident involving a Nile Star bus along the Pakwach–Olwiyo–Karuma Highway in Nwoya District.
The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Monday, May 4, 2026, at around 2:00am in Purongo Town Council, when the bus, registration number UBP 736U, collided head-on with a trailer lorry, registration SSD 498C, which was reportedly transporting fish. The bus was travelling from Arua City to Kampala with approximately 67 passengers on board at the time of the accident.
According to media reports, six people lost their lives in the crash, while 14 others sustained injuries of varying severity. The injured victims were rushed to Anaka General Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Initial reports had indicated uncertainty about the number of fatalities, with earlier accounts suggesting fewer deaths. However, the Nwoya Resident District Commissioner later confirmed the death toll had risen to six as rescue and recovery efforts progressed.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a horrific collision that occurred under low visibility conditions in the early morning hours. Some accounts, including footage shared on social media platforms such as TikTok by Pulse Uganda, pointed to a head-on crash, though official investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause.
The impact of the collision left both vehicles severely damaged, with rescue teams working through the wreckage to retrieve victims and assist survivors. Emergency responders, including police and local authorities, arrived promptly at the scene to coordinate rescue operations and transport the injured to hospital.
Earlier reports by New Vision had indicated that several passengers were feared dead, reflecting the confusion that often surrounds the immediate aftermath of such accidents. As of now, authorities have urged the public to rely on verified updates as investigations continue.
Police have since launched a formal inquiry into the crash, focusing on possible factors such as driver error, road conditions, and visibility at the time of the accident. The stretch of road between Pakwach and Karuma has previously been flagged as a high-risk corridor, particularly during night travel.
This latest accident adds to the growing concern over road safety in Uganda, where early morning and night-time travel continue to pose significant risks to motorists and passengers alike. Authorities have repeatedly called for increased caution among drivers, especially on highways known for heavy traffic and long-distance travel.
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