KAPCHORWA – At least 21 people have been confirmed dead following a tragic road accident involving a school bus carrying pupils from an educational tour in Kapchorwa District on Thursday evening.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the victims include 20 pupils from King David Junior School in Ndejje and one adult male. Several other passengers sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at various health facilities.
The fatal crash occurred at around 8:00 p.m. in Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, when the school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, reportedly lost control while returning from an educational trip to Sipi Falls.
Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the driver, whose identity had not yet been established by press time, lost control of the vehicle. The bus veered off the road, struck a large roadside rock, and overturned.
Several survivors were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Among the injured are other pupils and three adult males.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary, where they await formal identification and postmortem examinations.
Police have launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the accident, noting that more details will be released as inquiries progress.
In a statement, the Uganda Police Force expressed condolences to the bereaved families, the school community, and all those affected by the tragedy.
“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 statement read.
The accident has sent shockwaves across the country, adding to growing concerns over road safety, particularly involving school transport. Authorities are expected to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The identities of all the victims had not yet been officially released by the time of publication.
It’s tragic to hear about such a loss. I wonder how the community is coping with this.