A tragic road accident occurred near Karuma on Monday when a passenger bus traveling from Gulu to Kampala collided with an elephant, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
The bus, belonging to Makome Bus Company and registered as UAR 339M, was on its usual route when the accident happened in an area close to Murchison Falls National Park, a wildlife-rich region where elephants and other animals often cross the road.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) spokesperson, Bashir Hangi, confirmed the incident and revealed that their team is now searching for the elephant to determine its condition after the collision.
“We urge all motorists to drive carefully, especially when passing through areas where wildlife roams freely. Speeding on these roads is extremely dangerous,” Hangi said, warning that such accidents can be fatal for both humans and animals.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident caused panic among passengers as the bus swerved after hitting the animal. Emergency responders rushed the injured to nearby health facilities, though the exact number of casualties has not yet been confirmed.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In November last year, a truck with registration number UBP 616E ran over and killed an elephant in the same area, despite repeated warnings and strict guidelines on speed limits inside wildlife zones.
Karuma and its surrounding roads are known for heavy wildlife movement, as the highway cuts through areas close to Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s most famous parks.
Authorities have called on drivers to reduce speed, particularly in early mornings and evenings when animals are most active.
