School bus crash death toll rises to 24 as 3 more pupils die

The death toll from a road crash involving pupils of King David Junior School along the Kaserem section of the Kapchorwa–Mbale Road in eastern Uganda has risen to 24 after three more pupils died while receiving treatment.

The Uganda Police Force confirmed the new figure in a statement posted on X on Friday by SP Michael Kananura, Public Relations Officer of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.

Kananura said 18 victims had been positively identified. Three unidentified bodies are at Kapchorwa Hospital and three others at Mbale Hospital.

He added that 23 victims remain on admission at Kapchorwa Hospital receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.

According to him, all surviving pupils who did not require hospitalisation have safely returned to Kampala aboard a Gateway Bus.

Kananura said the driver of the bus involved in the crash is yet to be formally identified but is believed to have sustained critical injuries and is among those receiving treatment in Mbale.

He said the school excursion left Kampala at about 5 a.m. with two buses and two taxis. The other vehicles, which were not involved in the accident, safely returned to Kampala with all occupants.

*Safety measures announced*  

Kananura said the police had suspended school excursions to allow for a comprehensive investigation into recent crashes involving schoolchildren. The suspension will also cover strengthening safety guidelines for school trips and conducting nationwide road safety sensitisation for schools, transport providers, teachers and other stakeholders.

He added that all school groups currently on educational trips have been directed to report immediately to the nearest police station, where officers will provide escorts where necessary to ensure their safe return.

“The Uganda Police Force, working closely with the Ministry of Education and Sports and other stakeholders, extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the pupils, staff of King David Junior School, and the entire school community during this difficult time,” Kananura said.

“Further updates, including the findings of the ongoing investigations and the revised safety guidelines for school transportation and educational trips, will be communicated in due course.”

Police had earlier confirmed 21 fatalities before the toll increased following the deaths of three injured pupils in hospital.