Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura confirmed the incident, saying police and other emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene to rescue victims and establish the extent of the casualties.
More than 20 pupils are feared dead and scores of others injured following a tragic road crash involving a school bus belonging to King David Junior School, Ndejje, in Kapchorwa District on Thursday night.
The fatal crash occurred at around 8:00 p.m. at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, according to the Uganda Police Force.
The bus, registration number UA 108BQ, was transporting pupils when it was involved in the crash. The cause of the accident had not yet been established by press time.
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Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura confirmed the incident, saying police and other emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene to rescue victims and establish the extent of the casualties.
“The Uganda Police Force confirms that police in Kapchorwa have this evening registered a fatal road traffic crash involving a school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, transporting pupils of Kings David Junior School, Ndejje,” Kananura said in a statement.
Although police had not officially confirmed the death toll by press time, reports from the scene indicated that more than 20 pupils were feared dead, while many others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.
Kananura said rescue operations were still ongoing and that police were working to verify the number of fatalities and injuries.
“Police and other emergency responders are at the scene carrying out rescue operations and establishing the number of casualties and injured persons. At this stage, the exact number of fatalities and injuries has not yet been confirmed,” he said.
Police added that investigations into the cause of the crash had commenced and that further details, including the identities of the victims, would be released after rescue operations and preliminary investigations are completed.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the country and renewed concerns over the safety of school transport, coming just days after another school bus carrying students collided with a train in Mukono District. Authorities have continued to urge school operators and motorists to strictly observe road safety regulations to safeguard the lives of learners.
