Uganda has suffered one of its deadliest school transport accidents in recent years after a bus carrying pupils from an educational tour crashed on the notorious Chekwatit Hill in Kapchorwa District, killing at least 20 children and a school director while leaving scores of others injured.
The tragic accident occurred when a school bus belonging to King David Junior School in Ndejje reportedly developed a mechanical fault while descending the steep Chekwatit Hill in Kawowo Sub-county.
According to preliminary investigations, the driver lost control of the vehicle before it crashed, trapping many of the children inside the wreckage and triggering a frantic rescue operation involving police officers, health workers and local residents.
The Uganda Police Force confirmed that the crash occurred at Chekwatit Village in Kimawa Parish, although authorities initially withheld the number of fatalities as emergency responders continued rescue operations and hospitals worked to account for victims.
“The Uganda Police Force confirms that police in Kapchorwa have registered a fatal road traffic crash involving a school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, transporting pupils of Kings David Junior School, Ndejje. The crash occurred at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, Kapchorwa District, at around 2000 hours.”
Uganda Police Force
Hours later, Uganda’s Minister of Local Government, Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, who was on an official working tour in eastern Uganda, visited hospitals and the accident scene before confirming the devastating toll.
“We found 9 children in critical condition at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, 16 children receiving treatment at Kaserem Health Centre, 3 children at Bulambuli Health Centre IV, and the rest at Kapchorwa Hospital. Sadly, 20 children and 1 adult, who happens to be the founder and director, Mr Tadeo Ssekade, have gone to be with the Lord.”
Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi
The children had been returning from a study tour when tragedy struck, abruptly ending what should have been an educational outing. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through families, classmates and communities, adding to growing concern over the safety of school transport and the condition of vehicles operating on Uganda’s roads.
Chekwatit Hill, where the crash occurred, has long been regarded as one of Uganda’s most dangerous stretches of road. The steep descent has witnessed numerous fatal crashes over the years, earning a reputation as an accident black spot where mechanical failures and brake problems have frequently resulted in catastrophic accidents.
Police spokesperson for the Sipi Region, Fredmark Chesang, disclosed that preliminary findings indicate that mechanical failure was the likely cause of the crash, although investigations remain ongoing.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the bus lost control due to a mechanical fault. We have also established from eyewitness accounts that the vehicle made several stopovers before the accident. Investigations into the exact circumstances of the crash are ongoing.”
Fredmark Chesang
Emergency responders, assisted by local residents, raced to rescue survivors from the mangled wreckage. Many pupils were trapped inside the bus, requiring coordinated efforts by police, community volunteers and medical personnel to remove them before they were rushed to nearby health facilities.
Dr Siraji Masai, Kapchorwa District Health Officer, stated that hospitals promptly initiated emergency response protocols following the crash.
“Our medical teams, together with volunteers, are attending to the injured pupils. Four of the critically injured victims have already been referred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for specialised management.”
Dr Siraji Masai
He added that medical personnel continued working around the clock as authorities sought to identify victims and notify grieving families before officially releasing the names of those who had died.
Deadly Crash Renews Uganda Road Safety Concerns
The accident has rekindled discussion about vehicle upkeep, road safety regulations, and the dangers faced by pupils travelling great distances across Uganda while investigations into the crash’s circumstances continue.
Police have advised drivers of passenger cars to perform comprehensive mechanical inspections prior to travelling, especially on mountainous routes like Chekwatit Hill where mechanical flaws and brake failure can swiftly result in fatalities.
Chesang appealed to transport operators to prioritise roadworthiness, warning that preventable mechanical defects continue to contribute significantly to fatal road accidents across the country.
Kapchorwa Resident District Commissioner Stanley Bayole also praised residents for demonstrating remarkable compassion during one of the district’s darkest moments.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming. People brought bedding, offered transport and joined rescue efforts without hesitation. This is a strong sign of humanity and solidarity during a very difficult moment.”
Stanley Bayole
The accident is the latest in a series of deadly road crashes that have heightened public concern over transport safety in Uganda.
Just one week earlier, a teacher and a student lost their lives when a school bus transporting learners from Mwebaze High School in Kakiri collided with a train in Mukono District.
Earlier this month, another major accident claimed the lives of 14 people after a head-on collision involving an Opit Travellers passenger bus and a trailer along the Kampala-Gulu Highway in Omoro District.
The main factors contributing to Uganda’s high rate of traffic fatalities, according to traffic officials, are reckless driving, poor car maintenance, speeding, and hazardous road conditions. Despite continuous road safety programs and enforcement efforts, thousands of people die on the nation’s roads each year.
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