A tragic road crash that claimed the lives of three Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) officials in Murchison Falls National Park has renewed concerns over the dangers of night travel through wildlife-protected areas.
The fatal accident happened on the night of May 24, 2026, along the Arua highway section cutting through the park in Nwoya District after a URA vehicle reportedly collided with a crossing elephant.
According to preliminary police investigations, the Toyota Hiace registration number UA 20121AA was transporting seven URA officials from Arua City to Kampala following official duty when the driver struck the animal at around 8:00pm.
The impact is said to have caused the vehicle to lose control before overturning, killing three occupants instantly and leaving four others injured, including the driver.
The injured victims were rushed to Kiryandongo Hospital for emergency treatment before being referred to Kampala for specialised medical care, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Anaka Hospital Mortuary pending postmortem examinations.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing concern over motorists driving through national parks at night, where wildlife movement is unpredictable and visibility is often poor.
Security and wildlife authorities have repeatedly warned drivers to observe reduced speed limits and remain vigilant while using roads that pass through conservation areas, especially during night hours when animals frequently cross highways.
Police say investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing as authorities continue to assess whether speed, visibility, or other factors may have contributed to the deadly accident.
