MUKONO — One person has been confirmed dead and several students injured after a Uganda Railways train collided with a school bus transporting students to an educational tour in Mukono District on Friday morning.
According to the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, SP Racheal Kawala, the crash occurred at about 6:46 a.m. at Namumira Village, Bukasa, Kyetume Parish, Nakisunga Sub-county, along the Katosi Road in Mukono District.
The accident involved a Friendship Coaches bus, registration number UAU 123Q (blue in colour), and a Uganda Railways train.
Police said the bus had been hired by Mwebaze High School to transport students and teachers on a study tour to Jinja District. Preliminary reports indicate that the bus was carrying approximately 100 passengers at the time of the crash.
According to preliminary investigations, the bus was travelling at a high speed and allegedly failed to stop at the designated railway crossing, as required under traffic regulations, before attempting to cross the railway line. Police say the bus entered the crossing and collided with the oncoming train before veering off the road.
One female adult, identified as the wife of the school’s head teacher, died instantly at the scene.
Several students and other occupants sustained injuries and were rushed by police and emergency responders to Mukono General Referral Hospital and other nearby health facilities for treatment.
“The bus was allegedly travelling at a high speed and failed to stop at the railway crossing before attempting to cross the railway line,” SP Kawala said in a statement, adding that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Police further revealed that the bus driver fled the scene immediately after the crash and is currently being sought by authorities.
Investigators are also working to establish the identities of all the victims and determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision.
Earlier in the morning, police had confirmed the fatal accident and said officers had secured the scene while rescue operations were underway.
The latest crash has renewed concerns over compliance with railway crossing regulations, with police urging motorists to always stop, look, and listen before crossing railway lines to prevent similar tragedies.
Police said further updates will be issued as investigations continue.