Written By | Peter Luzinda
According to police, the bus lost control at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, before veering off the road, striking a large stone and overturning.
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KAMPALA, Uganda
The government has suspended all school educational tours and excursions following a fatal road crash in Kapchorwa District that claimed the lives of 21 people, including pupils of King David Junior School, Ndejje.
The suspension was announced by Acting Education Minister Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo on Friday as authorities moved to review safety measures for school transport and outdoor learning activities.
The victims were travelling in a school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, which was returning from an educational trip to Sipi Falls when the crash occurred on Thursday evening.
According to police, the bus lost control at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, before veering off the road, striking a large stone and overturning.
Police spokesperson Michael Kananura confirmed that 20 pupils and one adult died in the crash. Several survivors were injured and taken to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary for identification and postmortem procedures. Police said investigations are underway to establish the exact cause of the accident.
Calls for Stronger School Transport Rules
The tragedy has brought renewed attention to the safety of schoolchildren travelling for educational activities, with stakeholders calling for tighter monitoring of school buses and transport operators.
Authorities are expected to assess whether schools are complying with existing requirements, including vehicle inspection certificates, driver qualifications, passenger limits and safety arrangements before undertaking trips.
The Ministry of Works and Transport is also set to engage stakeholders on road safety measures as government agencies respond to concerns over increasing accidents involving learners.
School transport accidents have previously raised questions about enforcement of safety standards, with families and education stakeholders demanding stronger action to protect children on the roads.
The Education Ministry said the suspension will remain in force until the review process is completed and new measures are communicated.
