At least 24 pupils have died in a devastating road accident in Uganda after the bus transporting them on a school excursion was involved in a fatal crash, authorities have confirmed.
The tragedy, which has plunged the East African nation into mourning, occurred while the students were travelling as part of an educational trip. Several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
According to preliminary reports from Ugandan authorities, the bus was carrying pupils and accompanying staff when it was involved in the crash. Emergency responders, police officers and local residents quickly mobilised to rescue survivors trapped in the wreckage.
Officials said the injured victims were evacuated to medical facilities, where some remain under intensive care.
While investigations into the incident are ongoing, authorities said preliminary findings suggest that the crash may have resulted from factors that are yet to be fully established. Traffic investigators have commenced an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Police have appealed to members of the public to refrain from speculation until the investigation is completed.
The Ugandan government expressed condolences to the bereaved families, the affected school community and all those impacted by the tragedy, describing the loss of the young lives as heartbreaking.
Education officials also conveyed sympathy to parents and guardians, pledging to provide the necessary support to affected families and students who survived the accident.
The incident has reignited concerns over road safety, particularly the transportation of schoolchildren during educational excursions and other school-related activities.
Road safety advocates have called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, regular vehicle inspections and improved safety standards for buses used to transport students, arguing that such measures are essential to preventing similar tragedies.
Emergency services continued recovery operations at the crash site as investigators examined the vehicle and gathered evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The identities of the deceased were being withheld pending formal notification of their families, while authorities worked to account for all passengers who were on board at the time of the crash.
The fatal accident is one of the deadliest involving schoolchildren in Uganda in recent years and has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the country, with citizens, public officials and organisations expressing solidarity with the victims’ families.
As investigations continue, authorities have assured the public that the findings will guide measures aimed at improving road safety and preventing future accidents involving school transport.
