Fresh details have emerged regarding the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two pupils from Star Junior School in Makindye, confirming that driver fatigue was the likely cause of the fatal crash.
The Sunday morning incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. near Zigoti Town Council, along the Mubende–Kampala Road, when a yellow school bus, registration number UAP 829U, belonging to HMK Transporters Ltd, overturned while ferrying pupils, four tour guides, and the Headteacher back from a school tour in Kasese.
Authorities now say the bus veered off the road and overturned after the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to roll several times and eject some of the occupants.
According to eyewitnesses, the scene was chaotic, with pupils screaming for help as bystanders and emergency teams rushed in to rescue the injured.
Two pupils died instantly, and 11 others sustained injuries, including the Headteacher and four tour guides. The injured were rushed to Mityana General Hospital for treatment.
Quoting preliminary findings, Public Relations Officer Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, SP Micheal Kananura confirmed that the driver fell asleep and lost control.
“This was a fatigue-related crash. The driver reportedly fell asleep, lost control, and overturned the bus. It’s a heartbreaking incident that could have been avoided through better planning and adherence to safety protocols.”
Kananura issued a stern reminder to all school administrators, urging them to prioritize pupil safety during school excursions.
“Children cannot make decisions for themselves. Schools must ensure that all necessary precautions are taken, including rest breaks, vetting of drivers, and thorough vehicle inspections before setting off on such journeys.”
He further advised schools to avoid return journeys after long-distance school tours. Plan for overnight rest to prevent fatigue, thoroughly inspect and verify the mechanical condition of all hired vehicles, ensure drivers are licensed, experienced, and sober—with no traces of alcohol, Collaborate with the Uganda Police and use the Inspectorate of Vehicles (IOV) to assess roadworthiness and to vet drivers thoroughly and conduct alcohol tests where necessary.
“The lives of our children are too precious to be left to chance,” Kananura emphasized.
Investigations into the crash are still ongoing. The names of the deceased pupils have not yet been released pending notification of their families.
