By Robert Segawa
More than 20 people, including pupils and the proprietor of Kings David Junior School, Ndejje, have been confirmed dead following a fatal road crash on Tuesday night.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the accident occurred at Chekwatit Village in Kapchesombe Sub-county, Kapchorwa District, at around 8:00 p.m.
This is the third road accident involving learners in just two weeks. On July 10, more than 15 students of Mwebaze High School in Kakiri, Wakiso District, were injured after their school vehicle was involved in an accident with a train. A teacher died on the spot along Katosi Road in Mukono District. On July 14, at least 15 students of St. Paul Secondary School, Katakwi, were injured in a road crash at Nawangisa Village along the Mbale–Iganga Highway in Bugweri District.
The Minister for local government , Balaam Barugahara, who visited the scene, confirmed that at least 20 pupils died in the crash. He also confirmed that the proprietor of Kings David Junior School, identified as Tadeo Ssekadde, was among those who lost their lives.
Barugahara said more than 85 learners were travelling in the school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, when the crash occurred. He added that about 60 injured pupils were rushed to various health facilities, including Kapchorwa Hospital and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, for treatment.
“We found nine children in critical condition at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, 16 children receiving treatment at Kaserem Health Centre, three children at Bulambuli Health Centre IV, and the rest at Kapchorwa Hospital,” Barugahara said.
Traffic and Road Safety spokesperson Michael Kananura confirmed the incident, saying police and other emergency responders were at the scene conducting rescue operations and working to establish the exact number of fatalities and injured persons.
“We urge all motorists to strictly observe speed limits, especially at night when visibility is reduced,” Kananura said.
Police said investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, adding that more information will be provided as it becomes available.
