The death toll from the tragic road crash involving pupils of King David Junior School, which occurred at Kaserem along the Kapchorwa–Mbale Road, has risen to 24 after three more pupils succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash while receiving medical treatment.
As of this evening:
– 24 fatalities have been confirmed.
– 18 bodies have been positively identified.
– 3 unidentified bodies are at Kapchorwa Hospital.
– 3 bodies are at Mbale Hospital.
– 23 victims remain admitted at Kapchorwa Hospital and are receiving treatment.
– All surviving pupils who did not require admission have safely returned to Kampala aboard a Gateway Bus.
The driver of the bus involved in the crash has not yet been formally identified. However, it is believed that he sustained critical injuries and is among the victims receiving treatment in Mbale.
The school trip departed Kampala at approximately 5:00 a.m. using two buses and two taxis (drones). The other vehicles, which were not involved in the crash, safely returned to Kampala with all their occupants.
Earlier today, the Minister of Education and Sports convened an emergency meeting with key stakeholders and announced the temporary suspension of all school educational trips across the country.
The suspension is intended to:
– Allow for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding recent crashes involving school children.
– Facilitate the development of strengthened safety guidelines for school educational trips.
– Provide an opportunity to conduct nationwide road safety sensitization targeting schools, transport providers, teachers, and other stakeholders.
It was further agreed that all school groups currently undertaking educational trips should immediately report to the nearest police station. Where necessary, police officers will provide escorts to ensure the safe return of learners to their respective schools.
The Uganda Police Force, working closely with the Ministry of Education and Sports and other stakeholders, extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the pupils, staff of King David Junior School, and the entire school community during this difficult time.
Further updates, including the findings of the ongoing investigations and the revised safety guidelines for school transportation and educational trips, will be communicated in due course.
SP KANANURA MICHAEL
PRO-DIRECTORATE OF TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY
