Uganda suspends school trips after bus crash kills 21

Thu Sep 10 2026 12:57:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Uganda suspends all school trips after a bus carrying pupils on a field trip crashed Thursday night, killing 20 students and an adult and injuring dozens more.

A bus crash on Chekwatit Hill in Kapchorwa district claimed 20 pupils and a teacher, prompting the government to halt all school excursions pending a full investigation. Earlier reports suggest the vehicle suffered a mechanical fault that led to loss of control. The death toll, one of the highest involving children in recent Ugandan history, has raised concerns over road safety and school transport. Education Minister John Muyingo called for urgent action to protect students, while traffic authorities emphasised speeding, poorly maintained vehicles and dangerous roads as key culprits. Officials are working to support survivors and survivors families while collecting data on the incident.

Uganda suspends school trips after bus crash kills 21

Bus wrecked on Chekwatit Hill — The bus was carrying pupils on a field trip when the accident occurred.

The crash occurred Thursday evening on Chekwatit Hill in Kapchorwa district. A school bus that was returning from a study tour slammed off the road, struck a large stone, and overturned. Two dozen people were injured, while 20 students and one adult died.

The vehicle was transporting pupils from King David Junior School in Ndejje. Chief transit authorities say a mechanical fault likely led the driver to lose control. The collapse of the vehicle amplified the tragedy, as the bus was already burdened by the weight of the passengers.

In the wake of the crash, Uganda’s Education Ministry has issued a temporary ban on all school excursions. Education Minister John Muyingo emphasized that protecting children must come before anything else, citing the severity of the incident as a catalyst for mandatory safety reviews. He urged the ministry to collaborate with local officials to ensure survivors receive adequate care and support.

Traffic police spokesperson Michael Kananura described the dynamics of the accident. He said the driver lost control of the vehicle and veered off the road. The bus then struck a large stone, overturned and made a significant dent in the vehicle. The incident is being fully investigated by authorities, who have called for thorough checks of all student transport vehicles.

The loss of life—20 children and a teacher—was one of the most serious in recent Ugandan history, underscoring the vehicle safety and road conditions that remain persistent challenges. Uganda is a frequent victim of road deaths, with speeding, poorly maintained vehicles and hazardous roadways often cited as contributing factors.

Authorities are reviewing school transport protocols to prevent similar tragedies. The government also remains open to revising safety regulations for vehicles used in educational activities while the investigation proceeds.