Kapchorwa School Bus Tragedy: Death Toll Reaches 26, Parents Await News

Tragedy struck in Kapchorwa as a bus carrying students and staff from King David Junior School overturned, claiming the lives of 26 individuals. The confirmed casualties comprise 21 pupils and five staff members, including the school director, Tadeo Ssekadde.

As the grim news spread, numerous parents found themselves in a state of anguish, desperately seeking confirmation on whether their children were among the dead, injured, or surviving. The educational tour, which involved 217 pupils and staff traveling in two buses and support vehicles, had been returning from tourist attractions like Sipi Falls when the accident occurred.

The overturned bus was reportedly carrying 107 people. Forty-four survivors were admitted to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, with several in critical condition. Despite official updates, the lack of definitive information left many families distraught, with some parents taking matters into their own hands by traveling to Mbale and Kapchorwa in search of answers.

Area Member of Parliament David Sserukenya urged for patience, explaining that some victims required a technical identification process. “We are told some children cannot be identified by eye, and there will be a technical process,” he stated.

In response to the overwhelming emotional toll, counselors have been deployed to the school to offer psychosocial support to the grieving families, students, and staff. The government has also established an inter-ministerial committee to thoroughly investigate the cause of the devastating crash.

This article is based on information from The Observer (Uganda).