Survivors of the tragic accident involving Nile Star Bus, travelling from Arua, and Platinum Coaches from Gulu are still waiting for presidential financial support seven months after the crash that left more than 30 people dead and scores injured in Kiryandongo District.
The accident, which occurred between 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. on October 22, 2025, happened when the bus from Gulu allegedly attempted to overtake a lorry and collided head-on with an oncoming bus travelling from Kampala to West Nile.
The impact caused both buses to veer off the road, hitting a lorry and another vehicle with a Congolese number plate, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
According to police reports, the injured were first rushed to Kiryandongo Hospital, while critically injured survivors were later referred to Lacor Hospital for specialised treatment.
Following the tragedy, President Yoweri Museveni announced financial assistance of UGX 5 million to the families of the deceased and UGX 1 million to each survivor to support medical care.
However, several survivors say they have not yet received the promised UGX 1 million, despite repeated follow-ups with relevant offices.
One of the survivors, 63-year-old Joel Amandu, a retired secondary school teacher, who sustained a broken right leg and severe facial and leg injuries, says he has spent over UGX 5 million on treatment and continues to attend medical reviews at Lacor Hospital.
Reports further indicate that the distribution of funds was coordinated through the office of the Resident City Commissioner and the bus company, while the City Internal Security Office in Arua, which is said to have documented beneficiaries, declined to comment on the matter.
Efforts to obtain a response from Amin Dewise, a manager at Nile Star Bus Company, were unsuccessful as his known phone contacts were unreachable. It is estimated that at least 10 survivors out of more than 30 victims in the West Nile have not yet received the presidential support.
By URN
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