Death Toll Rises to 26 in Kapchorwa School Bus Crash

The death toll from the King David Junior School bus crash in Kapchorwa has risen to 26, according to the latest government update, deepening the grief of families gathered at the school as they waited for news about their children.

The government said the victims include 21 pupils and five members of staff, among them the school director, Tadeo Ssekadde. Despite the update, many parents remained in anguish on Friday, saying they still did not know whether their children were among the dead, injured or survivors.

The Acting Minister of Education, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, who addressed parents at the school in Ndejje, said the government had formed an inter-ministerial committee to investigate the cause of the crash.

He said 217 pupils and staff had travelled for the educational tour using two buses and support vehicles. The bus involved in the crash was carrying 107 people when it overturned as the group returned from tourist sites, including Sipi Falls. According to the minister, 44 survivors were admitted to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, with several in critical condition. 

Although authorities released partial lists of identified victims, many families were still waiting for confirmation. 

The area Member of Parliament, David Sserukenya, appealed for patience, saying officials were still working to identify some of the victims.  

Parents also appealed to the government to ensure the safe return of pupils who were not involved in the crash, saying reuniting families with their children would help ease the fear and uncertainty. 

Meanwhile, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Mercy Lakisa, said counsellors had been deployed to the school to provide psychosocial support to parents, pupils and staff affected by the tragedy.