A fatal accident occurred in the early hours of Monday, August 25, 2025, in Gwala III village along the Gulu-Kampala highway in Kiryandongo district, resulting in multiple serious injuries and death.
According to police reports, the incident took place around 2:00 a.m. when a grey ISUZU bus, registration number UAR 339M, belonging to Makome Bus Company, collided with a herd of elephants crossing the road.
The bus, driven by Okema Patrick, aged 53 and a resident of Kampala, died on arrival at Kiryandongo General Hospital. Several passengers on board were injured in the collision.
Among the victims were Eric Opio, 35, Ester Grace Olara, 20, and Francis Oyet, 30, all residents of Gulu. Other victims include Margaret Lacar, 30, Patrick Lunbangakene, 30, Denis Arwenyi, 38 of Patongo in Agago, Christopher Ojok, 34, and Ivan Oloya, 31, all from Gulu.
Additional victims listed by police included Benjamin Ssetyabule, 24, from Entebbe, Francis Lwanga, 39, from Gayaza, and Valence Ndibwami, 45, from Ggobelo, Wakiso.
Others affected were Robinson Ongwek, 36, Peter Okwera, 46, Sarah Anena, 26, Martin Ochen, 48, and Bosco Otema, 55 of Pecce, Gulu.
Police investigations revealed that the bus was traveling from Gulu to Kampala when it reportedly ran into the elephants crossing the highway.
Several passengers aforementioned were rushed to Karuma Restoration Gateway Hospital and Kiryandongo General Hospital for treatment.
Authorities at Kiryandongo Police Station confirmed that the scene was visited by the District Traffic Officer, ASP Joshua Rugwiza, and a team of officers who drafted a sketch plan of the accident. The bus remains at the scene awaiting breakdown and towing to the police station as inquiries into the incident continue.
The tragic incident highlights the persistent risks posed by wildlife crossings along Uganda’s highways, raising urgent calls for safety measures to prevent future collisions.
Residents and road users in the region are being urged to exercise caution, especially in areas known for frequent wildlife activity.
“…we urge motorists to be careful when driving in areas where animals cross the road,” Bashir Hangi, head communication and public relations at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said on Monday morning.
He added that UWA had dispatched its team to locate the injured elephants. “We have successfully located the elephant that was knocked by the Makome Bus.
“It is walking with serious pain, we have discharged our vets to assess the injuries and undertake the necessary vet interventions,” he revealed on Monday afternoon.
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