A fatal road crash on Sunday, May 4, 2026, at around 1:15am in Lapok Mor Village, Nwoya District, has left seven people dead and 16 others injured, according to the Uganda Police Force.
The accident involved an Isuzu bus registration number UBP 736U belonging to Nile Star Coaches, which was being driven by Abugo Mandella Kadin, who has since been taken into police custody, and a Benz Actros trailer registered SSD 040A/SSD 498C.
Preliminary findings indicate that the bus, which was travelling from Arua, attempted to overtake two vehicles ahead at the time of the crash. In the process, it collided head-on with an oncoming trailer along the highway.
Police confirmed the sequence of events in a statement, saying:
“Preliminary findings indicate that the bus, en route from Arua, attempted to overtake two vehicles ahead. In the process, it collided head-on with an oncoming trailer.”
The force further noted the severity of the impact and rising casualty figures.
“As a result, four passengers died instantly at the scene, sixteen others sustained injuries and were rushed to Anak Hospital. Three additional victims later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to seven,” the statement added.
Eyewitnesses who were aboard the bus have alleged that the driver had been driving recklessly throughout the journey.
Some passengers reportedly raised concerns about his manner of driving, but their warnings were allegedly dismissed by the conductor instead of prompting corrective action.
One passenger, who survived the crash, described moments before the collision, saying: “We kept telling them the bus was going too fast and overtaking dangerously, but we were told to stay quiet. Minutes later, everything went dark after the impact.”
Police say such accounts will form part of the ongoing investigation into possible negligence, speeding, and overall road safety compliance.
Authorities have launched a full inquiry to establish the exact circumstances leading to the crash. The wreckage of both vehicles has been towed for mechanical inspection as investigations continue.