A school bus carrying pupils veered off the road in eastern Uganda on Thursday, killing 20 children and a teacher in Kapchorwa district. The Minister of Local Government, Balaam Ateenyi Barugahara, confirmed the crash in a post on X on Friday.

“We found nine children in critical condition at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, 16 children receiving treatment at Kaserem Health Centre, three children at Bulambuli Health Centre IV, and the rest at Kapchorwa Hospital,” he said. “Sadly, 20 children and one adult, who happens to be the founder and director, Mr Tadeo Ssekade, have gone to be with the Lord. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, loved ones, and the entire King David community.” 

In a separate statement posted on X, the Uganda Police Force confirmed that the crash occurred on Thursday at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, Kapchorwa District.

“We wish to confirm that, following the fatal road traffic crash that occurred yesterday evening at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, Kapchorwa District, a total of 21 people, comprising 20 pupils and one adult, have so far been confirmed dead,” the force said.

Police explained that the crash involved an Isuzu bus, registration number UA 108BQ, belonging to King David Junior School, Ndejje, Makindye Division, Kampala. The identity of the driver has yet to be established.

“Several survivors, whose identities are yet to be established, were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for medical treatment,” the force said, in a statement posted on X.

According to preliminary investigations, the bus had taken the pupils on an educational tour to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District. While returning from the excursion, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road, struck a large roadside rock and overturned.