Twenty Pupils Killed in Uganda School Bus Crash as Government Suspends All Excursions

Uganda is mourning one of its deadliest school transport disasters after a school bus carrying children home from an educational excursion crashed in the eastern part of the country, killing 20 pupils and one adult and leaving dozens of others injured. The tragedy has prompted the government to immediately suspend all school trips and excursions nationwide while investigations continue.

The accident occurred on Thursday evening in Chekwatit village, Kapchorwa District, as a bus belonging to King David Junior School in Kampala was returning from an educational visit to the scenic Sipi Falls, a popular tourist destination near Mount Elgon. According to preliminary findings by the Uganda Police Force, the driver lost control of the vehicle after it struck a large rock, causing the bus to veer off the road and overturn.

Emergency responders, local residents and the Uganda Red Cross rushed to the scene, transporting survivors to nearby hospitals, in some cases using pickup trucks because of the urgency of the situation. Authorities said more than two dozen children were injured, with at least nine reported to be in critical condition. Three adults were also hurt in the crash.

In response to the tragedy, Uganda’s Education Minister Chrysostom (John) Muyingo announced an immediate and indefinite suspension of all school outings, excursions and educational trips across the country.

The government said the measure is intended to protect students while officials conduct a comprehensive review of safety standards governing school transport and educational travel. Authorities also launched a multi-agency investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

News of the disaster triggered an outpouring of grief across Uganda, with parents, educators and public officials expressing condolences to the bereaved families. Messages of sympathy flooded social media as many Ugandans renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations, improved vehicle inspections and tougher oversight of school transportation.

The crash has once again highlighted Uganda’s persistent road safety challenges. Traffic accidents are common in the country, with experts frequently pointing to speeding, poorly maintained vehicles, inadequate road infrastructure and limited street lighting as major contributing factors.

The latest tragedy follows another major bus accident in October 2025 that claimed 46 lives on the Kampala–Gulu highway, underscoring the continuing dangers on Uganda’s roads.

Investigators are expected to examine the condition of the bus, the driver’s actions and the state of the roadway to determine the exact cause of the accident. Authorities have also pledged to review existing safety protocols for school transport to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As rescue and recovery efforts continue, the focus has shifted to supporting the injured children and grieving families while the nation reflects on a tragedy that has sparked renewed demands for stronger road safety measures.