By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Uganda, July 17, 2026 - A school trip meant to inspire learning ended in heartbreak after 20 pupils and a school director were killed when their bus overturned while returning from an educational tour in eastern Uganda.
The pupils from King David Junior School in Kampala were travelling back from Sipi Falls on Thursday evening when the bus crashed at Chekwatit Village in Kapchorwa District, leaving families mourning and dozens of survivors receiving treatment in hospital.
Uganda Police said the Isuzu bus was carrying pupils back from the excursion when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle.
"We wish to confirm that, following the fatal road traffic crash... a total of 21 people, comprising 20 pupils and one adult, have so far been confirmed dead," said Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.
Preliminary investigations indicate the bus veered off the road, hit a large roadside boulder and overturned.
Police said the identities of some survivors are yet to be established, with the injured receiving treatment at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Kapchorwa General Hospital and Kaserem Health Centre IV.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, who visited the injured alongside State Minister for Labour Simon Mulongo, confirmed that the school's founder and director, Tadeo Ssekade, was among those killed.
"We found nine children in critical condition at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, 16 children receiving treatment at Kaserem Health Centre, three children at Bulambuli Health Centre IV, and the rest at Kapchorwa Hospital," Balaam said.
More from Kenya
"Sadly, 20 children and one adult, who happens to be the founder and director, Mr Tadeo Ssekade, have gone to be with the Lord."
The minister expressed condolences to the bereaved families and praised local residents and emergency responders for rescuing victims in the aftermath of the crash.
"I sincerely thank the residents of Tingey County, Kaserem, who responded immediately as first responders, together with the regional emergency teams, for their compassion, courage and tireless efforts in rescuing and caring for the victims."
Police said the bodies had been taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary for identification and post-mortem examinations, while investigations into the exact cause of the crash continue.
The tragedy is among Uganda's deadliest school transport accidents in recent years and has renewed concerns over road safety. According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report, the country recorded 26,044 road crashes in 2025, with 4,602 fatal crashes claiming more than 5,300 lives. Police attribute more than 40 per cent of the crashes to reckless driving, including speeding, dangerous overtaking and tailgating.
The latest disaster has intensified calls for the full rollout of Uganda's Electronic Penalty System, which uses cameras and automated number plate recognition technology to detect speeding and other traffic offences in an effort to curb preventable road deaths.