Uganda bus crash kills 21 children

At least 21 people, including 20 pupils and one adult, were killed on Friday when their school bus overturned in eastern Uganda.

The group from King David Junior School in Kampala was returning from an educational trip to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District when the crash occurred, police said.

The bus, registration number UA 108BQ, crashed at Chekwatit Hill, a stretch of road known as one of the country’s accident black spots. Preliminary investigations indicate the bus suffered a mechanical failure before the driver lost control. The vehicle veered off the road, struck a large stone and overturned.

Police spokesperson Michael Kananura confirmed the death toll. The adult victim was identified as Tadeo Ssekade, the school’s founder and director.

Three adult males and several juveniles sustained injuries and were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Police said investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing.

Uganda has a poor road safety record. In 2025, more than 5,300 lives were lost in 4,602 fatal accidents. Authorities attribute more than 40% of crashes to reckless driving, including speeding and dangerous overtaking.

The tragedy has renewed concerns over the safety of school transport in Uganda.

SOURCE: AP