KAPCHORWA – At least 21 people, including 20 pupils and one adult, have been confirmed dead following a tragic road crash involving a school bus belonging to King David Junior School in Ndejje, Kampala.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the fatal crash occurred on Thursday evening at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county in Kapchorwa District as the pupils returned from an educational tour to Sipi Falls.
Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said the Isuzu school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, reportedly lost control while descending the road, veered off the carriageway, struck a large roadside stone and overturned.
“We wish to confirm that, following the fatal road traffic crash that occurred yesterday evening at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, Kapchorwa District, a total of 21 people, comprising 20 pupils and one adult, have so far been confirmed dead,” Kananura said in a statement.
The deceased include the school’s founder and director, Tadeo Ssekade, according to State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara.
Police said three adult males and several juveniles sustained injuries and were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, and other health facilities for treatment.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary pending identification by relatives and postmortem examinations.
Barugahara, who visited the injured alongside Hon. Simon Mulongo, said nine children were in critical condition at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, while 16 others were receiving treatment at Kaserem Health Centre IV, three at Bulambuli Health Centre IV, and others at Kapchorwa Hospital.
“Together with Hon. Simon Mulongo, I visited the King David children who were involved in the tragic accident in Kapchorwa. We found nine children in critical condition at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, 16 children receiving treatment at Kaserem Health Centre, three children at Bulambuli Health Centre IV, and the rest at Kapchorwa Hospital,” Barugahara said.
He confirmed that “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 extended condolences to the bereaved families and thanked residents of Tingey County and Kaserem for their swift response to the disaster.
“I sincerely thank the residents of Tingey County, Kaserem, who responded immediately as first responders, together with the regional emergency teams, for their compassion, courage, and tireless efforts in rescuing and caring for the victims. Your selfless service has brought hope to many families during this difficult time,” he said.
In a separate message after visiting the scene, Barugahara praised the compassion shown by the local community.
“I am deeply moved by the love, compassion, and humanity being demonstrated by the mothers and people of Kapchorwa. What I witnessed is truly remarkable. Mothers are caring for the injured King David pupils as though they were their own children,” he said.
Police said investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing.
“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,” Kananura said.
Although eyewitnesses reportedly suspected brake failure, police said the cause of the crash has not yet been established and remains under investigation.