A school bus carrying pupils from an educational tour crashed in eastern Uganda on Thursday evening, killing 20 pupils and one adult, according to the Uganda Police Force.
The pupils from King David Junior School in Ndejje, Kampala, were returning from a study tour to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District when the accident occurred at Chekwatit Village in Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, at around 8:00 p.m.
According to the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, preliminary investigations indicate that the Isuzu school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, developed a mechanical problem before the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The bus veered off the road, struck a large roadside rock and overturned.
Uganda Police spokesperson Michael Kananura confirmed that 21 people had died in the crash.
“We wish to confirm that a total of 21 people, comprising 20 pupils and one adult, have so far been confirmed dead. The crash involved an Isuzu bus, registration number UA 108BQ, belonging to King David Junior School, Ndejje, Makindye Division, Kampala. The driver has not yet been identified,” Kananura said.
Several other occupants sustained injuries and were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment. Police said the identities of some of the survivors are yet to be established.
The bodies of the victims were taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary, where they await identification by relatives and postmortem examinations.
Police said investigators are working to establish the exact cause of the crash, including the reported mechanical failure and other possible contributing factors.
“The Uganda Police Force extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the management of King David Junior School and all those affected by this tragic incident. We also wish the injured a quick and full recovery,” the police said in a statement.
The crash has renewed concerns over road safety involving school transport in Uganda, with authorities expected to determine whether the bus was mechanically sound before embarking on the journey.
