A tragic road accident in Kapchorwa District has claimed the lives of at least 53 people, among them 20 schoolchildren and one adult, after a school bus carrying pupils home from an educational excursion crashed on Thursday evening.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the fatal incident occurred at Chekwatit Village in Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county.
Police spokesperson Michael Kananura identified the vehicle as an Isuzu bus, registration number UA 108BQ, owned by King David Junior School in Ndejje, Makindye Division, Kampala. The driver’s identity had not yet been confirmed at the time of the police briefing.
Preliminary findings indicate that the pupils had travelled to Sipi Falls for a school trip. While making the return journey, the driver reportedly lost control of the bus.
The vehicle veered off the road before slamming into a large rock along the roadside and overturning, resulting in heavy loss of life and numerous injuries.
Police confirmed that 20 pupils and one adult male died in the crash. Three adult men and several children survived with injuries and were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for medical treatment. Authorities are still working to identify all the injured victims.
The bodies of those who lost their lives were taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary, where postmortem examinations will be conducted before relatives formally identify and claim them.
Investigators have since launched a comprehensive inquiry to establish the circumstances that led to the crash. Police say additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.
The Uganda Police Force conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the leadership of King David Junior School, and everyone affected by the tragedy, while wishing those receiving treatment a swift and full recovery.
