Fatal Train Collision Involving School Bus Claims One Life in Mukono

Tragedy struck early Friday morning in Mukono district when a school bus carrying students from Mwebaze High School in Kakiri collided with a train. The incident, which occurred around 6:45 AM in Namumira-Bukasa village, Nakisunga sub-county, along Katosi Road, has claimed the life of one female passenger and left several others injured.

The bus was reportedly en route to Jinja for an educational excursion when the collision took place. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala stated that initial findings suggest the bus attempted to cross the railway line as a train approached.

Emergency services and police were quickly on the scene to evacuate the injured to Mukono General Referral Hospital and other local medical centers for treatment. The deceased’s body has been transferred to the hospital’s mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Investigations are underway to determine the precise cause of the accident. According to the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC), the railway crossing was manned by a police officer who allegedly signaled the bus driver to halt before crossing. However, reports suggest the driver may have disregarded the warning, proceeding onto the tracks where the impact occurred.

Witnesses who assisted in the rescue efforts described distressing scenes, with some students reportedly alleging that the bus driver had been exhibiting reckless and fatigued behavior prior to the crash.

Further details will be released as the police investigation progresses. More information is available at The Observer (Uganda).