By Nathan Eyagu 

Kapchorwa - A school educational tour ended in heartbreak after a bus carrying pupils of King David Junior School, Ndejje, was involved in a fatal road crash in Kapchorwa District, leaving at least 19 pupils dead and several others injured.

The tragic accident occurred at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, at around 8:00 p.m. on Thursday as the pupils were returning from an educational exploration tour in Kapchorwa.

According to Twalla Fadil, the General Secretary of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and the area Member of Parliament where the accident occurred, the bus had reportedly developed mechanical problems before beginning its descent towards Chekwatit.

In a statement shared on X, Fadil said local residents had allegedly warned the driver about the vehicle's condition, but the journey continued despite the reported faults.

"At the time I write, 19 pupils are confirmed dead by the Kapchorwa District Hospital management. What hurts most is that this accident could have been avoided if the driver took warning by locals seriously," Fadil said.

He described the loss as a national tragedy, saying it was painful to lose young lives under circumstances that may have been prevented.

"As the area MP of the accident scene and as General Secretary of PLU, we stand with the families of the deceased and wish a quick recovery to those who remain hospitalized," he added.

Fadil called upon the Minister of State for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, and law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and ensure that those found responsible are prosecuted.

"We should say no to this carelessness. We must ensure the safety of our children because they are the future generation," he said.

Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force confirmed that officers in Kapchorwa had registered a fatal road traffic crash involving the school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, which was transporting pupils of King David Junior School, Ndejje.

In a statement issued on X, police said emergency responders were conducting rescue operations and working to establish the number of casualties and injured persons. At the time of the initial police statement, authorities had not officially confirmed the number of fatalities and injuries, noting that more information would be released as investigations progressed.

The Kapchorwa tragedy comes just days after another school bus accident involving St. Paul Secondary School students from Katakwi District, who were travelling for a Geography study tour. In that incident, the school bus collided with a stationary trailer in Bugweri District, killing the driver and injuring at least 15 students and staff. Although the two crashes are unrelated, they have heightened public concern over the safety of school transport and the roadworthiness of buses carrying learners on educational trips.

The back-to-back accidents have prompted renewed calls for stricter inspection of school vehicles, enforcement of road safety regulations, and greater accountability to prevent further loss of young lives.

Investigations into the Kapchorwa crash are ongoing.

May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and we wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.