Three officials attached to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) have died following a fatal road accident involving a vehicle that collided with an elephant near Karuma in Murchison Falls National Park.
The crash occurred on Sunday night along the Gulu-Kampala highway within Nwoya District as the officials were reportedly returning to Kampala from official duty in Arua.
According to preliminary police findings, the Toyota Hiace vehicle carrying seven URA staff struck an elephant that was crossing the road before the driver lost control.
Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said three occupants died instantly while four others, including the driver, sustained injuries.
The injured victims were first rushed to Kiryandongo Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to Kampala for further medical management, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Anaka Hospital Mortuary pending postmortem examinations.
Reports identified one of the deceased as former acting URA manager for public and corporate affairs Robert Wamala Lumanyika.
The incident has once again raised concerns about road safety along highways passing through wildlife conservation areas, particularly near Murchison Falls National Park where elephants and other wild animals frequently cross roads during night hours.
Police urged motorists travelling through protected wildlife zones to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and remain vigilant, especially at night.
The Karuma corridor has witnessed several wildlife-related road accidents in recent years, prompting repeated calls for stronger preventive measures such as fencing, improved lighting, warning systems, and stricter speed enforcement near national parks.
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends, and members of the public as investigations into the accident continue.
