Uganda School Bus Accident Death Toll Rises to 24; All School Trips Suspended

The number of fatalities resulting from a tragic school bus accident in eastern Uganda has climbed to 24, following the deaths of three children who were receiving medical treatment. The accident, which involved students from the King David primary school, occurred on Thursday night.

Ugandan police spokesperson Michael Kananura confirmed the latest deaths, stating they were due to injuries sustained in the crash. "The driver of the bus involved in the accident has not yet been formally identified. However, it is believed that he suffered serious injuries and is among the victims receiving treatment at Mbale Hospital," Kananura said in a statement. The initial death toll of 21 included twenty students and one adult.

Authorities have identified 18 bodies so far, while 23 victims remain hospitalized. Surviving students who did not require hospitalization have safely returned to Kampala. The bus was reportedly returning from a school excursion when it suffered a mechanical failure around 8:00 PM local time, causing the driver to lose control before the vehicle crashed and overturned.

In response to the tragedy, the Ugandan government has suspended all school trips and excursions across the country with immediate effect. This measure aims to allow for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, the implementation of stricter safety guidelines, and the launch of national road safety awareness campaigns.

Road accidents are a persistent issue in Uganda. According to the latest report from the Uganda Traffic Police Directorate, 5,383 people died on the country's roads in 2025, averaging fifteen fatalities per day. This marks a slight increase from 2024, which recorded 5,144 deaths.

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The driver of the bus involved in the accident has not yet been formally identified. However, it is believed that he suffered serious injuries and is among the victims receiving treatment at Mbale Hospital.