School trip ends in tragedy as 20 pupils die in Eastern Uganda bus crash

At least 20 schoolchildren and one adult have been killed after a bus carrying pupils on a study trip crashed in eastern Uganda, local officials said, in one of the country's deadliest road accidents involving children in recent years.

The Uganda Police Force confirmed the deaths following the crash, which occurred on Thursday evening at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, Kapchorwa District.

The pupils of King David Junior School, Ndejje, were returning from an educational tour to Sipi Falls when the bus they were travelling in reportedly developed a mechanical fault at around 8:00 pm. The driver is said to have lost control before the vehicle crashed.

“We wish to confirm that a total of 21 people, comprising 20 pupils and one adult, have so far been confirmed dead. The crash involved an Isuzu bus, registration number UA 108BQ, belonging to King David Junior School, Ndejje, Makindye Division, Kampala. The driver has not yet been identified,” Michael Kananura of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety said.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the school bus had taken pupils on an educational tour to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District.

While returning from the tour, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road, struck a large stone along the roadside, and overturned. The crash claimed the lives of one adult male and 20 pupils, while three adult males and several juveniles sustained injuries,” he added.

Police said several survivors, whose identities are yet to be established, were rushed 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 pending identification and postmortem examinations.

Police said investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing.

“The Uganda Police Force extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the management of King David Junior School, and all those affected by this tragic incident. We also wish the injured a quick and full recovery,” the UPF added.

The paragraphs have been reordered for a more natural news flow, repetition has been removed, and the wording has been polished while preserving all direct quotes exactly as provided.