Dozens of passengers are feared dead after a long-distance bus overturned and burst into flames following a collision along a busy highway in central Uganda on Monday evening.
The accident occurred around 5 p.m. local time at Makindu trading center, along the Kisoga–Nyenga route. The bus, which was traveling from Kampala to Soroti, reportedly collided with a boda boda motorcycle before veering off the road, overturning, and catching fire.
“The vehicle lost control after the impact, overturned, and was engulfed in flames. Several lives were lost,” said Michael Kananura, spokesperson for Uganda’s Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety. He added that investigations are underway and further details will be shared in due course.
Emergency crews responded swiftly, transporting injured survivors to Kawolo Hospital and St. Francis Lwanga Hospital in Buikwe District, as well as other nearby medical facilities.
Initial reports suggest the bus was carrying more than 70 passengers. Eyewitness videos circulating on social media showed the vehicle ablaze, with smoke rising high as bystanders looked on in shock. Local media reports estimate the death toll could exceed 40.
Rescue operations were still ongoing late Monday, with police and emergency personnel working to retrieve bodies and extinguish the fire.
Road traffic accidents remain a major concern in Uganda, where enforcement of safety standards is often weak and public transport vehicles are frequently overloaded or poorly maintained.
Authorities are expected to provide an official update on the number of casualties once the recovery effort concludes.