The school trip that ended in tragedy

On Wednesday morning, students of Bright Future Primary School, Kiboga set off in three commuter taxi vans for a trip to Kampala.

It would be the first time for them to set foot in the city - the biggest town in the country as they had always learnt in their social studies at school.

Headmaster Taddeo Tuyisenge had hired the vehicles from Kasubi, near Kampala.  And at 5am local time, the group set off for their journey.

But 45 minutes into their journey, anxiety, excitement and anticipation turned into gloom, grief and wails.

One of the taxis rammed into a lorry, parked on the side of the road, and the nasty crash left four people dead, including the headmaster. That marked the end of the journey that the pupils had for two months anticipated.

Wamala Region police spokesperson Nobert Achong said the other three victims, nine-year-old God Mukoka (Primary One), Latiffah Kabanda, also nine and in Primary Three, and the taxi tout, also died on spot.

 Those who survived but with injuries were rushed to hospital. (Credit: Nelson Kiva)

Survivors with more serious injuries were taken to Mulago Hospital in Kampala. (Credit: Nelson Kiva)

Achong said 21 others were rushed to Kiboga Hospital while those who were in critical condition were referred to Mulago Hospital.

Eyewitnesses, the Police, residents and local politicians all blamed such nasty accidents on the reckless use of the narrow Hoima-Kampala road.

Butemba County MP, Innocent Kamusiime Pentagon, while visiting the accident victims in hospital, suggested that the school administrators should stop using taxis to transport children.