Students' alleged taunts preceded Nalango school bus crash

Survivors of a harrowing bus crash involving Nalango Senior Secondary School students have shared details of the moments leading up to the accident on the Jinja–Kamuli road. The incident occurred at Busota trading centre as the students were returning from an educational trip. Official reports indicate that 47 individuals, comprising 31 students and 16 adults, sustained injuries. All casualties received treatment at Kamuli General Hospital, with most reported to be in stable condition.

One student involved in the crash, Jalia Babirye, revealed that the bus had previously been stopped by traffic police for speeding. Despite being instructed to park for an hour, the driver reportedly resumed the journey at high speed. Babirye claims that some students began singing teasing songs at the driver, which led to a verbal altercation shortly before the crash. “I think that may have distracted him before the vehicle rammed into a stationary truck,” she recounted.

Another survivor, Fatuma Naiwumbwe, described losing consciousness and waking up in the hospital. While doctors confirmed she had no internal injuries, she continues to experience headaches and emotional distress, with the sound of the crash repeatedly playing in her mind.

Francis Nabirye, a supervising teacher, corroborated concerns about the bus’s speed during the return journey. He stated that despite speaking to the driver and advising him to slow down, the advice was disregarded. He also added that approximately 20 students are recovering well and are expected to be discharged soon. The school administration has been in communication with parents and is supporting the procurement of necessary medical supplies.

More details can be found in The Observer (Uganda).