KAPCHORWA, Uganda — A devastating road crash has claimed the lives of at least 20 pupils and the founder of King David Junior School, Tadeo Ssekade, after a school bus carrying learners overturned along the notorious Chekwatit Hill in Kapchorwa District on Thursday evening.
The pupils, who study at the Ndejje-based school, were returning from an educational trip when the bus, registration UA 108BQ, was involved in the fatal accident at Chekwatit Village in Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, at around 8:00 pm.
Authorities say dozens of children sustained injuries, with several rushed to health facilities across the Sebei sub-region for emergency treatment.
Director Among Those Killed
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara confirmed that Tadeo Ssekade, the school’s founder and director, was among those who lost their lives.
Following a visit to hospitals treating the survivors, Balaam revealed that 20 children had died, while many others remained admitted in different medical facilities.
According to the minister, nine critically injured pupils were referred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, 16 others were admitted to Kaserem Health Centre, three were receiving treatment at Bulambuli Health Centre IV, while additional victims were taken to Kapchorwa Hospital.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured children a speedy recovery.
Police Launch Investigation
The Uganda Police Force confirmed the crash, saying officers responded immediately after receiving reports of the accident involving the school bus transporting pupils from King David Junior School.
Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle may have suffered a mechanical failure, causing the driver to lose control while descending the steep Chekwatit Hill—an area that has witnessed numerous fatal crashes over the years.
Police spokesperson Fredmark Chesang said investigators are gathering more evidence and interviewing witnesses to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Related: Two pupils dead, several injured in bus accident in Zigoti
Leaders Demand Accountability
Tingey County MP Fadhil Twalla called for a comprehensive investigation into reports that residents had warned the bus driver about possible mechanical issues before the vehicle continued its journey.
According to Twalla, if negligence is established, those responsible should be held accountable to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Rescue Efforts
Residents, police officers and emergency responders worked together to rescue trapped passengers from the wreckage before transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Health workers in Kapchorwa and Mbale have since been mobilised to provide emergency medical care to the survivors.
Renewed Concerns Over Road Safety
The Kapchorwa tragedy is among the deadliest school transport accidents recorded in Uganda in recent years and has renewed calls for stricter inspection of school buses before long-distance travel.
Road safety advocates have urged transport operators to prioritise vehicle maintenance, especially when travelling through mountainous routes such as Chekwatit Hill, which has long been considered a major accident black spot.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and more information will be released as victim identification and inquiries continue.
written by @enock katamba
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Enock Katamba – Journalist | Founder of Uncovered Ug (uncoveredug.com)
Enock Katamba is a Ugandan journalist and founder of Uncovered Uganda, a digital online news platform covering health, national news, entertainment, celebrity gossip, music, education, business, sports, and international news. He focuses on delivering accurate, timely, and reliable information to keep the public informed.
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