Uganda has been plunged into mourning after the director and founder of King David Junior School, Tadeo Ssekade, was among the people who lost their lives in the tragic school bus accident that occurred in Kapchorwa District.
The heartbreaking accident claimed the lives of the school director and several pupils after their bus overturned while returning from an educational trip to Sipi Falls, leaving families, teachers, and the entire school community devastated.
According to reports, Tadeo Ssekade died alongside 20 pupils in the crash, while several other children survived with serious injuries and were rushed to different health facilities for emergency treatment.
The accident involved a school bus belonging to King David Junior School in Ndejje, registered under number UA 108BQ, which was carrying pupils who had travelled for a school-organized trip.
The tragedy happened at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county in Kapchorwa District at around 8:00 p.m. as the bus was reportedly returning from the trip.
News of the accident spread quickly, leaving parents and relatives in shock as they struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss of their loved ones.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara confirmed the death of the school director, identifying him as Tadeo Ssekade, the founder of King David Junior School.
The minister expressed sadness over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as the entire King David Junior School community.
“ We extend our deepest condolences to their families, loved ones and the entire King David community,” Barugahara said while responding to the tragedy.
He also visited some of the injured pupils together with former diplomat Simon Mulongo to assess their condition and offer support during the difficult moment.
Reports indicate that nine pupils were in critical condition and receiving treatment at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital as medical teams continued fighting to save their lives.
Other injured children were taken to different health facilities, including Kaserem Health Centre, Bulambuli Health Centre IV, and Kapchorwa Hospital, where they continued receiving medical attention.
Health workers have been working around the clock to treat the injured pupils, while families continue waiting anxiously for updates about their children’s recovery.
The tragedy has also raised questions about the condition of the bus and whether mechanical problems may have contributed to the fatal crash.
Some local leaders have called for a thorough investigation into reports that the bus may have developed mechanical issues before the accident occurred.
Tingey County Member of Parliament Fadhil Twalla urged authorities from the Ministry of Works and Transport and security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Twalla said residents had reportedly warned the driver before the bus descended towards the accident area, raising concerns about whether the warnings were ignored.
“What hurts most is that this accident could have been avoided if the driver took warnings by locals seriously,” Twalla said.
He called for those found responsible for negligence to face the law, saying that every possible step must be taken to prevent similar tragedies involving school children.
The accident has renewed calls for stricter safety checks on vehicles used to transport learners, especially during long school trips across the country.
As Uganda continues mourning the lives lost in the Kapchorwa accident, prayers and messages of comfort have continued pouring in for the affected families, while the nation waits for answers from ongoing investigations.
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