In brief
A bus carrying 20 pupils from King David Junior School overturned on Chekwatit Hill, killing 20 children and the school's founder. The government has halted all school outings pending a full inquiry. Investigators point to a possible mechanical fault, while experts warn that speeding and poorly maintained vehicles continue to plague Uganda’s roads.
On Thursday night a bus carrying 20 pupils from King David Junior School in Ndejje collided with a roadside stone on Chekwatit Hill in Kapchorwa district, overturning and killing 20 children and the school’s founder, Mr. Tadeo Ssekade.
Dozens of students and staff were injured in the incident, which took place at about 20:00 local time. A preliminary investigation points to a mechanical fault in the vehicle that may have caused the driver to lose control.
Education Minister John Chrysostom Muyingo announced the suspension of all school field trips until a full investigation is completed, stating the urgent need to protect children from road mishaps.
Traffic police said the driver veered off the road, struck a large stone, and the bus rolled onto its side. The crash highlights longstanding concerns about Uganda’s road safety, where speeding, deteriorated vehicles, and hazardous terrain contribute to thousands of deaths each year.
The incident comes just weeks after a series of serious bus accidents involving school children, sparking renewed calls from civil society for stricter transport regulations and improved vehicle maintenance.
In the aftermath, rescue workers and local volunteers rushed to assist the injured, while the national investigation team has begun a forensic review of both the vehicle and the road conditions at Chekwatit Hill.
The tragedy underscores the need for comprehensive safety protocols, including regular vehicle inspections, driver training, and infrastructure upgrades, to prevent future fatalities on Uganda’s roads.
