Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has announced financial
support for the families of those killed and injured in the tragic accident
along the Kampala–Gulu Highway that claimed 46 lives on Tuesday night.
In a statement, the President expressed deep sorrow over the
deadly crash and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, wishing the
injured a speedy recovery.
“I have learnt with sadness about the tragic accident that
occurred this morning along the Kampala–Gulu highway, claiming many lives,”
Museveni said.
“I extend my condolences to the bereaved families and wish
the injured a quick recovery.”
He directed the State House Comptroller to provide Sh5
million (Sh185,730 – in current exchange rate) to each family that lost a loved
one and Sh1 million (Sh37,146) to those injured in the accident.
“I have directed the State House Comptroller to give Shs 5m
to each bereaved family and Shs 1m to the injured,” he said.
Museveni also appealed to motorists and other road users to
be more cautious to help prevent similar tragedies.
“I urge all road users to exercise utmost caution to prevent
such tragedies. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” he added.
The Kampala–Gulu Highway is one of Uganda’s busiest roads,
linking the capital to northern regions of the country.
It has, however, been a frequent scene of fatal accidents
attributed to speeding, reckless driving, and poor road conditions.
Authorities have launched investigations into the latest
crash, which ranks among the deadliest in recent years.
Emergency services and police teams were deployed to the
scene to assist victims and manage traffic flow.
According to Ugandan police, the death toll, which had
initially been reported to be at 63 was not true, as some passengers had only been
rushed to hospital unconscious.
“We confirm that the total number of fatalities resulting
from the tragic crash along the Kampala–Gulu Highway at Kitaleeba Village
stands at 46, according to the latest update from the hospital.”
A spokesperson of the police said they continue to work with
emergency responders to ensure accurate information is disseminated in
subsequent updates.
“At the time of the crash, several victims were found
unconscious, and some may have been mistakenly included in the initial fatality
count. We are working in close coordination with health and emergency services
to ensure accurate and timely updates as the situation develops,” the statement
reads.
The fatal crash involved four motor vehicles, including an
Isuzu bus, a Toyota Surf, a Tata Lorry and another Isuzu bus.
