Uganda suspends school trips after 20 pupils die in bus crash

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:14:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A bus crash killed 20 students and an adult, prompting Uganda to suspend all school field trips.

In the eastern district of Kapchorwa, Uganda, a school bus plunged into a stone on a steep hill, killing 20 pupils and a teacher. The incident unearthed severe concerns over vehicle maintenance and road safety. In response, the Education Ministry announced a temporary halt on all school field trips pending a thorough investigation. Officials called for stronger oversight to protect children travelling by bus.

Uganda suspends school trips after 20 pupils die in bus crash

On Thursday evening a school bus transporting pupils from King David Junior School in Ndejje crashed on Chekwatit Hill in Kapchorwa district, eastern Uganda. The vehicle overturned, striking a large stone and killing 20 children and the teacher, Mr. Tadeo Ssekade; dozens more, including staff, were injured.

Preliminary investigations point to a mechanical fault that contributed to the driver’s loss of control. Chekwatit Hill has a history of serious crashes, underscoring the urgent need for safer road conditions and vehicle checks.

Education Minister John Chrysostom Muyingo announced the suspension of all school field trips until a full investigation is completed, citing the safety of children as a paramount concern.

“The nation has suffered a great loss, I would like us to work hand in hand so that those who survived are well taken care of,” Muyingo said. Traffic police spokesman Michael Kananura described the incident, noting the bus collision with a stone after veering off the road.