12 people died on the spot, while four others died at Atapara Hospital where they had been rushed for treatment, according to local sources.

“The accident occurred when a Bus Registration Number UAT 259P which belongs to Roblyn bus company traveling from Kampala to Gulu rammed into a stationary trailer last night along Kampala-Gulu highway at Adebe trading center just one kilometer to corner Kamdini checkpoint,” Okema North Kyoga Police spokesperson Jimmy Okema said.

The cause of the accident is yet to be established, but preliminary findings indicate wrong parking by the trailer driver with no warning signs, Okema added.

The WHO has ranked Uganda among the countries with the highest traffic death rates, estimated at 29 car deaths per 100,000 people.

Most road crashes in Uganda have been attributed to human error, such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and distracted driving, among others. (ILKHA)