The number of people k!lled in the tragic road crash involving pupils of King David Junior School on the Kaserem stretch of the Kapchorwa–Mbale Road in eastern Uganda has increased to 24 after three injured pupils d!ed in hospital
The Uganda Police Force confirmed the updated de.ath toll in a statement shared on X on Friday by the Public Relations Officer of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, SP Michael Kananura.
Kananura said 18 of the deceased had been identified, while three unidentified bodies were at Kapchorwa Hospital and another three at Mbale Hospital. He added that 23 other victims were still receiving treatment at Kapchorwa Hospital for injuries sustained in the accident.
According to him, all pupils who survived the crash and did not require medical treatment had safely returned to Kampala aboard a Gateway Bus.
He also revealed that the driver of the crashed bus had not yet been formally identified but was believed to be among those critically injured and receiving treatment at Mbale Hospital.
The school excursion reportedly departed Kampala at about 5 a.m. with two buses and two taxis. The remaining vehicles, which were not involved in the accident, returned safely to Kampala with all passengers.
Following the tragedy, Uganda’s Minister of Education and Sports announced the immediate suspension of all school educational trips nationwide.
The measure is intended to allow authorities to investigate the recent crashes involving schoolchildren, review safety regulations for school excursions, and strengthen road safety awareness among schools, transport operators, teachers and other stakeholders.
Authorities also directed all schools currently on educational trips to report to the nearest police station, where officers would provide escorts 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.
He added that findings from the ongoing investigation, along with updated safety guidelines for school transportation and educational trips, would be released in due course.
The latest update comes after police had earlier announced 21 de.aths before the toll rose to 24 following the de.aths of three injured pupils receiving treatment.
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