Uganda's government has suspended all school trips in the wake of Thursday evening's bus crash that killed at least 20 pupils and one adult who were taking part in an educational tour.Dozens of others, including staff, were injured in the accident in Kapchorwa district, eastern Uganda.
Preliminary investigations suggest the bus had a mechanical fault before the driver lost control on Chekwatit Hill, a stretch of road that has been the site of several serious crashes, according to local officials.
Uganda records thousands of road deaths a year but this incident is one of the country's deadliest involving children in recent times.
"As an immediate precautionary measure, we must do something about the safety of our children," Education Minister John Chrysostom Muyingo said, announcing the temporary ban on trips until a full investigation was completed.
"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," he added.Traffic police spokesman Michael Kananura described what had happened on Thursday.
"The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road, struck a large stone along the roadside, and overturned," he said.
The bus, carrying pupils from King David Junior School in Ndejje, crashed at about 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) at Chekwatit village.
"Sadly, 20 children and one adult, who happens to be the founder and director, Mr Tadeo Ssekade, have gone to be with the Lord," Local Government Minister Balaam Ateenyi Barugahara posted on X, while he was at the scene.
Videos shared by eyewitnesses showed the bus badly damaged, as local residents rushed to help the injured children.The pupils were returning from a study tour, with local media reporting they had visited the Sipi Falls, a tourist area.
Speeding, poorly maintained vehicles and dangerous roads are among the leading causes of road deaths in Uganda, according to traffic authorities.
The latest crash comes amid renewed concern over the safety of school transport after several serious bus accidents were reported in the country in recent weeks.
Additional reporting by Swaibu Ibrahim
Info News
Catastrophic Truck Accident Attorney: Legal Help for Life-Altering Injuries
A catastrophic truck accident attorney represents clients who have suffered life-changing injuries due to severe truck collisions. These cases often involve permanent disabilities, long-term medical care, and significant financial burdens. Because the impact is so profound, compensation claims must account for future expenses, including ongoing treatment and loss of earning capacity.
rnrn
Experienced attorneys in catastrophic injury cases work with medical professionals, financial experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to build a comprehensive claim. They fight to ensure that clients receive compensation that reflects the true extent of their losses. With the right legal support, victims and their families can secure the financial resources needed to rebuild their lives after a devastating accident.
rn
Student Loan Refinancing: Smart Financial Strategies for Graduates
Student loan debt continues to affect millions of graduates worldwide, making refinancing an attractive option for borrowers seeking better repayment terms. Student loan refinancing combines existing loans into a single new loan with updated interest rates and repayment conditions. Many borrowers refinance to reduce monthly payments, simplify debt management, and lower overall interest costs.
rnrn
Private lenders often offer competitive refinancing rates to borrowers with strong credit histories and stable income. Some lenders also provide flexible repayment schedules, autopay discounts, and personalized loan terms designed to support long-term financial planning. Graduates working in high-income professions may qualify for lower interest rates that significantly reduce repayment costs.
rnrn
Borrowers should carefully consider the differences between federal and private student loans before refinancing. Federal loans often include valuable benefits such as income-driven repayment plans, deferment options, and loan forgiveness programs. Refinancing federal loans into private loans may eliminate access to these protections permanently.
rnrn
Financial advisors recommend comparing multiple lenders, reviewing loan conditions carefully, and understanding long-term repayment obligations before refinancing student loans. Responsible debt management and consistent payments can improve financial health while reducing financial stress for graduates and working professionals.
rn
