news 10 July 2026 Nile Post
Teacher Dead, Students Injured in Deadly Mukono Train-Bus Collision
A tragic accident at the Namumira railway crossing in Mukono claimed the life of a teacher and left numerous students injured when a passenger train collided with a bus carrying them for a school trip. The bus was reportedly attempting to cross the railway line when it was struck by the train. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/355158/teacher-killed-dozens-of-students-injured-in-train-bus-collision-at-mukono-railway-crossing
Tragedy struck Mukono Municipality early Friday morning when a collision between a passenger train and a bus carrying students from Mwebaza High School resulted in a fatality and multiple injuries.
The incident occurred around 6 AM at the Namumira railway crossing. The Friendship Company bus, with over 70 students aboard en route to Jinja for a study trip, was attempting to navigate the railway line when it was hit by a train traveling from Mukono to Kampala.
Eyewitnesses reported that the force of the impact caused the bus to overturn. Emergency responders were quickly on the scene, but the number of injured students overwhelmed available resources. Critically injured students were transported to Mukono General Hospital via boda bodas due to insufficient ambulances.
Uganda Railways spokesperson John Lenon Sengendo confirmed the death of one adult and stated that preliminary investigations suggest the bus driver failed to heed safety instructions. According to Sengendo, a police officer near the crossing had signaled the bus to stop, but the driver allegedly proceeded onto the tracks, leading to the collision.
Residents have voiced concerns about the safety infrastructure at the crossing, citing a lack of adequate warning signs, barriers, and traffic lights. They also pointed to parked trucks from DAKS Clearing and Forwarding Company obstructing visibility near the crossing.
While some accounts suggest loud music and singing within the bus may have prevented the driver from hearing the train’s horn, other witnesses maintain the train sounded its horn repeatedly. Sengendo urged all motorists, particularly those operating public transport, to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and instructions at railway crossings.
Uganda Railways is reportedly upgrading crossings with automated barriers in populated areas, but emphasizes that infrastructure improvements must be complemented by responsible road user behavior to prevent future tragedies.
This incident was reported by Nile Post.