School Bus Carrying Pupils Crashes in Kapchorwa, Eastern Uganda

Devastating wreckage of the school bus involved in the tragic crash in Kapchorwa, Eastern Uganda, which claimed the lives of 23 people, including pupils from King David Junior School, Ndejje. Courtesy Photo

A Kapchorwa school bus crash has claimed the lives of 23 people, according to the latest reports from Bukedde TV, after a bus carrying pupils from King David Junior School, Ndejje, was involved in a devastating road accident in Kapchorwa District, eastern Uganda.

The crash occurred on Thursday evening at Chekwatit Village in Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, prompting a massive rescue operation involving police, health workers, and residents.

The Isuzu bus, registration number UA 108BQ, was transporting pupils who had been on an educational trip when it reportedly crashed. Rescue teams worked through the night to free trapped passengers and evacuate dozens of injured children and adults to nearby health facilities. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The tragedy has triggered a swift response from the government. Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr John Chrysestom Muyingo announced the immediate suspension of all school trips and educational excursions across the country until further notice.

"As an immediate precautionary measure, we must do something about the safety of our children. All school trips and education excursions are suspended with immediate effect until further notice," Dr. Muyingo said.

The temporary suspension is intended to allow authorities to review safety measures governing school travel as investigations into the Kapchorwa crash continue.

Preliminary reports indicate that mechanical failure may have contributed to the crash, although investigations are still ongoing.

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Heartbreaking rescue efforts at the Kapchorwa school bus crash in Eastern Uganda, where 23 lives were lost, including pupils.

Earlier police updates confirmed at least 21 fatalities, but the death toll has since risen. Bukedde TV now reports that 23 people have been confirmed dead, making the Kapchorwa school bus crash one of Uganda's deadliest school transport tragedies in recent years. Authorities are continuing to verify the identities of the victims while treatment continues for those injured.

The Kapchorwa school bus crash has once again brought road safety into sharp focus, particularly for school transport undertaking long-distance educational trips. As families mourn the victims and others continue to receive treatment, messages of condolence have poured in from across Uganda.

While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, the tragedy has renewed calls for continued efforts to strengthen school transport safety.

Road safety advocates have long emphasised the importance of regular vehicle inspections, proper maintenance, experienced drivers, adherence to speed limits, and stronger enforcement of transport regulations.

A crowd of anxious parents and community members gathered outside King David Junior School, Ndejje, following the tragic school bus crash in Kapchorwa that claimed 23 lives. Photo: CBS FM

Improved emergency response capabilities, including quicker access to ambulances and trauma care, are also seen as critical in reducing fatalities when serious accidents occur.

Police are expected to release further details as investigations continue and authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding one of Uganda's deadliest school transport accidents in recent years.

As Uganda mourns this tragedy, FTN will be launching a special road safety series exploring the factors behind crashes on the country's roads and the practical solutions that could help save lives.

Follow our upcoming reports as we take a closer look at school transport, infrastructure, enforcement, emergency response, and the future of road safety in Uganda.