The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) emergency response team in Kiryandongo District swiftly responded to a tragic road crash that occurred at approximately 12:15 AM along the Kampala–Gulu Highway at Kitaleba Village, near Asili Farm.
According to the Uganda Police, the accident claimed 46 lives and left several others injured after four vehicles including two buses, a lorry, and a Toyota Surf, were involved in a multiple collision resulting from a failed overtaking maneuver.
Upon receiving the emergency alert, the URCS Kiryandongo emergency medical team comprising a medical technician, first aider, and ambulance driver immediately deployed to the scene. They joined Uganda Police and other responders in rescuing casualties trapped in the wreckage, administering onsite first aid, and transporting the injured to nearby health facilities for advanced medical care.
“Our team responded swiftly to save lives, providing lifesaving first aid and evacuating the injured to Kiryandongo General Hospital for further management,” said Irene Nakasiita, Director, Communications, Resource Mobilization & Partnerships, Uganda Red Cross Society. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones in this tragic incident, and we continue to stand with the survivors and their families during this difficult time.”
The URCS team provided emergency care to several casualties, managing severe bleeding, immobilizing fractured limbs, and stabilizing victims with traumatic head injuries and limb amputations. The critically injured patients were transferred to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital for higher-level medical management.
To strengthen the ongoing response, three additional ambulances were further dispatched this, bringing the total number of URCS ambulances supporting the operation to four. These ambulances are facilitating the transfer of critically injured survivors from Kiryandongo Hospital to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialized treatment.
URCS continues to collaborate closely with the Uganda Police and local health authorities to support ongoing rescue and recovery efforts. The National Society maintains its Toll-Free Emergency Line (0800 211 088) for public emergencies and continues to operate on 24-hour standby to respond to disasters and road crashes nationwide.
“We remind all road users to exercise caution and patience on the road. Most of these tragic accidents are preventable if safety and discipline are prioritized.” Ms. Nakasiita added.
Uganda Red Cross Society remains committed to saving lives and providing humanitarian assistance to those in need, in line with its mandate of alleviating human suffering.