Two drivers arrested in Kampala over overloaded school buses
“The two buses were intercepted today at Golf Course during a traffic operation.The two drivers transporting pupils of St. Kizito Primary School to a tour were charged with the relevant traffic offences and are detained at Kampala Central Police Station pending appearance before court.
Police are working with the school management to ensure pupils are safely transported to their destination using appropriate means of transport,” Kananura said.
KAMPALA - Two school bus drivers have been detained for dangerously overloading buses transporting children to a school tour.
Michael Kananura of the Uganda Police Force (UPF) Traffic and Safety Directorate confirmed the Friday, July 17th arrest in Kampala of Alia Kimbugwe, the driver of UA 092AS and Abubakari Mutesasira, the driver of motor vehicle UAN 619X. A total of 97 pupils were on Mutesasira's bus, while Kimbugwe had 110 on board.
“The two buses were intercepted today at Golf Course during a traffic operation.
The two drivers transporting pupils of St. Kizito Primary School to a tour were charged with the relevant traffic offences and are detained at Kampala Central Police Station pending appearance before court.
Police are working with the school management to ensure pupils are safely transported to their destination using appropriate means of transport,” Kananura said.
The arrest comes a few hours after a fatal road traffic crash that occurred on Thursday evening at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, Kapchorwa District, killing 21 people, comprising 20 pupils and one adult.
“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,” he stated.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the school bus had taken pupils on an educational tour to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District.
“While returning 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. The crash claimed the lives of one adult male and 20 pupils, while three adult males and several juveniles sustained injuries,”Kananura revealed.
Kananura said the bodies were immediately conveyed to Kapchorwa Mortuary pending identification and postmortem examinations.
“Police investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing. Further updates will 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,” he noted.
On Tuesday, police said its territorial police in Bugweri district were investigating a tragic road traffic accident that resulted in one fatality and left 15 individuals injured.
Michael Kasadha, the Busoga East police regional spokesperson, said the incident involved an Isuzu bus, registration number UA551ED, and a Mercedes Benz Actros, registration number UBB269V.
“The bus, owned by Amuria High School, was transporting students from St. Paul Secondary School in Katakwi.
Last Friday, July 10th, a bus with school children on board crashed into a commuter train in Kyetume, Mukono district.
The 6:45 am incident occurred when the driver ignored the traffic alert about the approaching train.
A female passenger, said to be the wife of a teacher, died instantly while a few students sustained minor injuries.
Police reports indicate that the pupils of Mwebaze High School, Kakiri, were travelling to Jinja District for an educational trip.