Police have confirmed a tragic road accident that claimed three lives and left four other people injured in Murchison Falls National Park along the Arua road in Nwoya District. The fatal crash happened on the night of 24th May 2026 at around 8:00 p.m. and involved a Toyota Hiace and a crossing elephant.
According to preliminary information from police, the motor vehicle, registration number UA 20121AA, was carrying seven officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). The group was travelling from Arua city back to Kampala after official duty when the accident occurred.
It is reported that the driver encountered a crossing elephant on the road while driving through the wildlife-protected area. In the process of trying to react, the vehicle knocked the animal, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle then crashed, leading to the immediate death of three occupants at the scene. Four others, including the driver, sustained serious injuries.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene and evacuated the injured victims to Kiryandongo Hospital for urgent medical attention. Due to the seriousness of their condition, the survivors were later transferred to Kampala for further treatment.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Anaka Hospital Mortuary where postmortem examinations are expected to be conducted to confirm the exact causes of death.
Authorities have urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving through national parks and other wildlife areas. Police emphasized the importance of following speed limits and staying alert, especially during night travel, to avoid dangerous encounters with animals on the road.
SP Kananura Michael, the PRO/CLO Traffic Police, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the increasing number of wildlife-related road crashes. Investigations into the exact circumstances of the accident are still ongoing.
