In brief
An eastern Ugandan bus, carrying students on a field trip, veered off the road on Chekwatit Hill and overturned, killing 20 young pupils and the bus’s director, Tadeo Ssekade. Police say a mechanical fault caused the driver to lose control. The crash injured dozens of staff‑members and raises alarms over the safety of school transport, as similar tragedies have surfaced in recent weeks. Ugandan authorities emphasize the need for better vehicle maintenance and safer road infrastructure.
School bus crash kills at least 20 pupils in Uganda
On Thursday evening a bus carrying pupils from King David Junior School on a study tour crashed in the Kapchorwa area of eastern Uganda, killing 20 children and the bus’s director, Tadeo Ssekade. Police say the vehicle suffered a mechanical fault and the driver lost control on Chekwatit Hill, a stretch of road notorious for serious collisions. The bus veered off the road, struck a large stone, and overturned.
Dozens of staff and other students were injured. Video footage shows the wreckage of the bus and local residents rushing to help. The victims were returning from a tour that included a visit to the popular Sipi Falls tourist area.
Uganda’s traffic authorities regularly warn that speeding, poorly maintained vehicles and hazardous roads are major causes of road deaths. The crash adds to a growing list of serious school transport incidents that have emerged in the country this month.
Local officials and the Minister of Local Government have expressed deep grief, posting updates on social media. The incident has triggered renewed discussions on improving safety regulations for school buses, vehicle inspections, and driver training.
