Police Confirm 21 Dead in King David Junior School Bus Crash in Kapchorwa
By Skika Reporter
Police have confirmed that 21 people, including 20 pupils and one adult, died following a tragic road crash involving a bus belonging to King David Junior School in Kapchorwa District.
The fatal accident occurred on Thursday evening at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, as the school bus was returning from an educational trip to Sipi Falls, one of eastern Uganda’s most popular tourist destinations.
According to Traffic and Road Safety Police spokesperson Michael Kananura, the crash involved an Isuzu bus (registration number UA 108BQ) owned by King David Junior School in Ndejje, Makindye Division, Kampala.
“We wish to confirm that, following the fatal road traffic crash that occurred yesterday evening at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, Kapchorwa District, a total of 21 people, comprising 20 pupils and one adult, have so far been confirmed dead,” Kananura said.
Police said the identity of the bus driver had not yet been established by the time the statement was issued.
Several survivors sustained injuries and were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
Preliminary Findings
According to preliminary police investigations, the pupils had travelled to Kapchorwa for an educational excursion to Sipi Falls before the tragedy unfolded on their return journey.
Police said the driver reportedly lost control of the bus, causing it to veer off the road, hit a large roadside stone, and overturn.
“While returning from the tour, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road, struck a large stone along the roadside, and overturned,” Kananura said.
The crash claimed the lives of 20 pupils and one adult male, while three adult males and several juveniles sustained injuries.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary, where they await identification by relatives and postmortem examinations.
Police Condole with Families
The Uganda Police Force extended condolences to the bereaved families, the school community, and everyone affected by the tragedy.
“The Uganda Police Force extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the management of King David Junior School, and all those affected by this tragic incident. We also wish the injured a quick and full recovery,” Kananura said.
The accident ranks among the deadliest road crashes involving schoolchildren in Uganda in recent years and is expected to renew calls for stricter road safety measures and improved standards for the transportation of learners during school trips.
