Death toll in Kapchorwa school bus tragedy rises to 24

What the report says

Nile Post reports that the death toll from the King David Junior School bus crash in Kapchorwa District has increased to 24, after three more pupils died while receiving treatment. The crash occurred at Kaserem on the Kapchorwa–Mbale Road. Citing Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura, the report says police confirmed the updated toll on Friday evening.

According to the police update cited by Nile Post, 18 of the pupils who died had been identified. Three bodies were still at Kapchorwa Hospital and another three at Mbale Hospital pending identification. Police also said 23 injured victims remained admitted at Kapchorwa Hospital. Pupils who survived and did not need admission were reportedly taken back to Kampala on a Gateway Bus.

The report says the Kapchorwa tragedy was followed by another serious school transport crash in Kamuli District on Friday evening, where a coaster carrying Nalango students collided with a sugarcane truck near Busota Health Centre III. Nile Post reports that several students suffered serious injuries, including fractures, and some were said to be in critical condition, though authorities had not confirmed a casualty figure by publication time.

The accidents have intensified public concern about school transport safety in Uganda, following other recent crashes involving learners. Nile Post says the government responded by suspending all school study tours indefinitely and directing schools already on trips to report to the nearest police station for guidance and accountability. The Education and Sports Ministry, Works and Transport Ministry, and Uganda Police Force are said to be increasing enforcement of school transport safety rules as investigations continue.