20 Children Killed in Horrific School Bus Crash After Educational Trip

Uganda has temporarily suspended all school trips after a devastating bus crash killed at least 20 children and one adult who were returning from an educational tour.

Dozens of other passengers, including school staff members, were injured when the bus crashed Thursday evening in the eastern district of Kapchorwa.

The vehicle was carrying pupils from King David Junior School in Ndejje when it went off the road at around 8 p.m. local time, or 5 p.m. GMT, near Chekwatit village.

Preliminary findings suggest the bus may have suffered a mechanical problem shortly before the driver lost control while traveling along Chekwatit Hill, a dangerous stretch of road where several serious crashes have occurred in the past.

Traffic police spokesman Michael Kananura said the vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a large stone and overturned.

“The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road, struck a large stone along the roadside, and overturned,” Kananura said.

Videos recorded by witnesses showed the bus badly damaged as residents rushed to the scene and helped pull injured children from the wreckage.

Local media reported that the pupils had been returning from a study trip to Sipi Falls, a popular tourist destination known for its waterfalls and mountainous landscape.

Among those killed was Tadeo Ssekade, the school’s founder and director, according to Local Government Minister Balaam Ateenyi Barugahara.

“Sadly, 20 children and one adult, who happens to be the founder and director, Mr Tadeo Ssekade, have gone to be with the Lord,” Barugahara wrote on X while visiting the crash scene.

Following the tragedy, Education Minister John Chrysostom Muyingo announced that all school trips would be suspended until authorities complete a full investigation into what caused the crash.

“As an immediate precautionary measure, we must do something about the safety of our children,” Muyingo said.

He also called on officials and the public to support those who survived the accident.

“The nation has suffered a great loss,” he added. “I would like us to work hand in hand so that those who survived are well taken care of.”

Uganda records thousands of traffic deaths every year, with speeding, poorly maintained vehicles and hazardous roads frequently cited among the leading causes.

Although fatal crashes are common across the country, Thursday’s accident is believed to be one of Uganda’s deadliest involving children in recent years.

The tragedy has also renewed concerns about the safety of school transportation following several other serious bus crashes reported in Uganda in recent weeks.