The death toll from a school bus crash in eastern Uganda has risen to 24 after three more pupils died from injuries sustained in the accident, prompting the government to suspend all school educational trips nationwide while investigators examine the cause of one of the country’s deadliest road tragedies involving children in recent years.
The pupils from King David Junior School in Ndejje, near the capital Kampala, were returning from an educational tour in Kapchorwa District when their bus crashed along the Kapchorwa–Mbale highway late on Thursday (July 16, 2026).
Michael Kananura the spokesperson for the Directorate Traffic and Road Safety, said 23 survivors remain hospitalized at Kapchorwa Hospital, while other pupils who escaped serious injury have safely returned to Kampala.
Authorities have identified 18 of the victims, with six bodies yet to be formally identified.
Police also said the bus driver is believed to have survived with critical injuries and is receiving treatment, although his identity has not yet been officially confirmed.
Investigators are examining whether mechanical failure, excessive speed, driver error or road conditions contributed to the crash.
The wreckage has been impounded for forensic examination as police record statements from survivors and witnesses.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over road safety in Uganda, where fatal traffic accidents remain common despite repeated government campaigns to improve enforcement and vehicle standards.
School study tours are widely organised across the country to give pupils practical learning experiences through visits to historical, agricultural and industrial sites, but the latest disaster has raised fresh questions about the safety of long-distance travel for children.
Suspension of school trips
In response, Acting Education Minister John Chrysostom Muyingo announced the immediate suspension of all school educational tours across Uganda pending the outcome of investigations and a comprehensive review of safety regulations governing school travel.
The Ministry of Education said it would strengthen transport standards, tighten approval procedures for school excursions, introduce stricter vehicle inspections and improve emergency preparedness before trips are allowed to resume.
President Yoweri Museveni declared a period of national mourning, describing the deaths of the pupils and their teachers as a profound national tragedy. The government said flags would fly at half-mast as the country mourns the victims and support is provided to grieving families and survivors.
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, also expressed condolences, saying he was deeply saddened by the loss of the children.
He extended sympathy to their families, classmates and teachers and wished those injured a swift recovery.
