KAPCHORWA - Police have said 21 people have been confirmed dead after a bus carrying pupils returning from an educational tour crashed in Kapchorwa district on Thursday.
The deceased included 20 pupils of Ndejje-based King David Junior School and one male adult.
The crash happened at around 8pm at a spot in Chekwatit village, Kimawa parish in Kawowo sub-county.
Police said the driver of the bus (UA 108BQ) had not yet been identified.
"Several survivors, whose identities are yet to be established, were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for medical treatment," Police added in a post on social media platform X.
It has emerged, from preliminary investigations, that the school bus had taken the pupils on an educational tour to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa.
On their way back from the tour, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road, struck a large stone along the roadside, and overturned.
Other pupils and three male adults sustained injuries.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary pending identification and postmortem examinations.
Police said investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing and that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
"The Uganda Police Force extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the management of King David Junior School, and all those affected by this tragic incident. We also wish the injured a quick and full recovery."