KAPCHORWA SCHOOL BUS CRASH: Death toll rises to 26

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN and a government update, reports that the death toll from the King David Junior School bus crash in Kapchorwa has increased to 26. The victims were identified as 21 pupils and five staff members, including the school director, Tadeo Ssekadde. The crash occurred as pupils and staff were returning from an educational trip to tourist sites that included Sipi Falls.

Acting Education Minister Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo told parents gathered at the school in Ndejje that 217 pupils and staff had travelled in two buses and support vehicles. The bus that crashed was carrying 107 people when it overturned. According to the minister, 44 survivors were taken to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, with some listed in critical condition.

The report describes continuing distress among parents who said they had not received clear information on whether their children were dead, injured or safe. Some families reportedly travelled to Mbale and Kapchorwa to search for answers, while partial lists of identified victims were being shared. Area MP David Sserukenya urged families to remain calm, saying some victims still required a technical identification process.

The government has formed an inter-ministerial committee to investigate the cause of the crash. Dr Mercy Lakisa, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, said counsellors had been sent to the school to support affected pupils, parents and staff. The crash has raised urgent questions about school trip safety, emergency communication with families and support for survivors.