20 pupils among 21 killed as in Uganda school bus tragedy

By Correspondent, in Kampala, Uganda

At least 20 schoolchildren and one adult were killed after a bus carrying pupils on a study trip overturned in eastern Uganda, in one of the country’s deadliest road accidents involving children in recent years.

The crash occurred at about 8:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, July 16, in Chekwatit village, Kawowo area, Kapchorwa District, as pupils from King David Junior School in Ndejje were returning from an educational tour.

Dozens of other passengers, including teachers and school staff, sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.

According to preliminary investigations, the bus developed a mechanical fault while descending Chekwatit Hill, causing the driver to lose control. Police said the vehicle veered off the road, struck a large stone along the roadside and overturned.

“The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road, struck a large stone along the roadside, and overturned,” police said in a statement.

Uganda’s Minister of Local government, Balaam Ateenyi Barugahara, confirmed the fatalities while visiting the scene.

“Sadly, 20 children and one adult, who happens to be the founder and director, Mr Tadeo Ssekade, have gone to be with the Lord,” the minister posted on X.

Eyewitness videos shared on social media showed the bus extensively damaged as local residents and emergency responders worked to rescue injured passengers trapped inside the wreckage.

Local media reported that the pupils had been visiting the popular Sipi Falls tourist attraction and were on their way back when the tragedy occurred.

Chekwatit Hill has witnessed several fatal road accidents in recent years, with officials citing its steep terrain as a high-risk section for motorists.

Uganda continues to record thousands of road fatalities annually, with speeding, poorly maintained vehicles, mechanical failures and hazardous road conditions among the leading causes of crashes, according to traffic authorities.