TOP STORY: 23 Bodies Still Unclaimed After Deadly Kiryandongo Highway Crash That Claimed 46 Lives
KIRYANDONGO — At least 23 bodies remain unclaimed and unidentified following a horrific road accident that claimed 46 lives and left 64 others injured along the Gulu–Kampala Highway in Kiryandongo District on Wednesday morning.
The tragic collision occurred in Kataleba Village, Kiryandongo Subcounty, near Asili’s Farm, and involved three vehicles — an Isuzu bus (UBF 614X) belonging to Nile Star Coaches, a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB), and a sugarcane truck (UAM 045V) owned by Planet Company.
According to Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the crash happened when one of the buses attempted to overtake a Tata lorry, while another bus traveling in the opposite direction also tried to overtake a smaller vehicle at the same time.
“This led to a head-on collision between the two buses during the overtaking maneuvers. One of the drivers swerved to avoid a collision, but this resulted in a head-on and side collision, causing a chain reaction. Other vehicles lost control and overturned several times,” Kananura explained.
Emergency teams and police rushed to the scene, pulling bodies from the wreckage and transporting survivors to Kiryandongo General Hospital.
Police and hospital officials say that out of the 46 fatalities, 23 bodies have been identified and claimed by relatives, while the remaining 23 are still unclaimed at the Kiryandongo Hospital mortuary.
Among the identified victims are:
Stella Abuga (21, Koboko), Gabriel Dralega Achema (Yumbe), Jimmy Adora (57, Yumbe), Augustine Angwadia (52, Arua), Sulanze Akiiki (49, Gulu), Godfrey Alianzi (26, Arua), Sarah Amooti (28, Gulu), Grace Andile (Yumbe), Conslate Apio (42, Gulu), Immaculate Baku (24, Gulu), William Byarugaba (49, Kampala), Rose and Draku Arama (60, Kyebando–Kampala), Elyeza Kadoko (29, Luka), Fred Lubangakene (25, Pabo), Jamita Magadu (28, Adjumani), Jonan Muwanguzi (28, Adjumani), Rwothumiyo Benjamin (39, Nebbi), Vincent Sengendo, William Senono (31, Kayunga), and Sandra Taita (21, Adjumani).
Kiryandongo District Police Commander, Stephen Ojok, said relatives have begun arriving to identify their loved ones, adding that authorities expect the remaining bodies to be claimed soon.
“All claimed bodies have been handed over to families. We expect more identifications by the end of the day as people continue arriving at the hospital,” Ojok said.
He also confirmed that 64 survivors are currently receiving treatment at Kiryandongo General Hospital, with many reported to be in stable condition.
Some of the survivors include Edward Adii, Patrick Akech, Alson Tumwebaze, Akwo Yopanga, Sarah Amanio, Joel Amanzo, Brian Anyai, Florence Atyelo, Rashid Hassano, Mugisha Bahemuka, Sadrack Birungi, Scovia Bodo, Yobo Ayela, Paul Birungi, David Ocheru, Patricia Namugerwa, and Joshua Kato, among others.
Dr. Godfrey Kisembo, the Medical Superintendent of Kiryandongo Hospital, said the medical team is working tirelessly to treat the injured.
“All admitted victims are responding well to treatment, and some are expected to be discharged soon,” he said.
Police have urged families with missing relatives who were traveling along the Gulu–Kampala route at the time of the crash to visit Kiryandongo Hospital for identification.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, which has once again highlighted the dangers of reckless overtaking and speeding on Uganda’s major highways.
