A school bus crash in eastern Uganda on Thursday evening has killed at least 20 pupils and one adult, marking one of the deadliest road accidents involving children in the country in recent years.
The bus was carrying students from King David Junior School in Ndejje who were returning from a study trip to Sipi Falls. Around 8:00 pm local time, the vehicle crashed in Chekwatit village in the Kawowo area of Kapchorwa district.
According to police and local officials, the bus developed a mechanical fault as it traveled along Chekwatit Hill, a section of road known for previous serious accidents. The driver reportedly lost control, the bus veered off the road, hit a large stone at the roadside, and overturned.
“Sadly, 20 children and 1 adult, who happens to be the founder and director, Mr Tadeo Ssekade, have gone to be with the Lord,” Minister of Local Government Balaam Ateenyi Barugahara wrote on X while at the scene.
Dozens of other passengers, including students and staff, were injured. Eyewitness videos showed the badly damaged bus as residents rushed to help pull children from the wreckage.
Uganda records thousands of road deaths each year. Authorities cite speeding, poorly maintained vehicles, and hazardous roads as major causes. The crash has renewed concerns about school transport safety after several other serious bus accidents were reported across the country in recent weeks.
