The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has expressed its shock and deep sadness at the tragic bus crash in Uganda that has claimed more than 40 lives.
According to reports, two long-distance passenger buses collided with a lorry and another vehicle on a major highway north of Kampala on 22 October 2025, killing dozens and injuring many more. The ITF extends its heartfelt condolences to all families, friends and colleagues affected.
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said the tragedy highlights the human cost of unsafe working conditions and inadequate road safety standards.
“We are devastated by this terrible loss of life,” said Cotton. “Behind most crashes like this are professional drivers working long hours, under enormous pressure, on roads that are often unsafe. Drivers deserve safe working conditions not just for their own protection, but for the safety of everyone who shares the road with them.”
The ITF said that long-distance coach drivers across Africa often face excessive hours, short rest breaks, low pay, poorly maintained vehicles, irregular schedules, lack of rest and sanitation facilities and weak enforcement of safety standards. These systemic problems, combined with inadequate road infrastructure and limited regulation, create a dangerous environment for both drivers and passengers. The ITF affiliate Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Union (ATGWU) has memorandum of understanding with the bus association, which has the aim of unionising the drivers.
ITF Africa Regional Secretary Mohammed Dauda Safiyanu said the crash must serve as a wake-up call for governments, employers and regulators across the continent.
“We cannot treat these tragedies as isolated incidents,” he said. “They reflect a wider failure to protect transport workers and the travelling public. Unions must be at the centre of building safer transport systems – ensuring that drivers have fair pay, good jobs, adequate rest, and vehicles that meet safety standards.”
Safiyanu stressed that fatigue and mechanical failures are common causes of crashes, and that road safety must be built on safe jobs. When drivers are forced to work excessive hours or operate unsafe vehicles, the consequences are felt by the entire community.
The ITF is campaigning globally for Safe Rates to tackle the systemic causes of unsafe road transport. The campaign recognises that road safety begins with fair pay, good jobs and safe roads for drivers.
“This devastating loss reminds us that safety on the roads starts with respect for those who work on them,” said Cotton. “Every life lost is one too many. Together with our affiliates across Africa, we will continue fighting for decent and safe standards that every transport worker deserves.”
The ITF is urging Ugandan authorities to conduct a full investigation into the causes of the crash and take immediate steps to strengthen vehicle inspections, driver welfare protections and union engagement in road-safety policy.
