Tension and grief have engulfed King David Junior School in Ndejje after angry parents and residents gathered at the school demanding answers following a deadly bus accident in Kapchorwa District that claimed the lives of several pupils and the school’s founder and director.
The heartbreaking accident left families devastated after a school bus carrying learners from an educational trip to Sipi Falls overturned while returning to Kampala, resulting in multiple deaths and serious injuries among the pupils.
Following news of the tragedy, worried parents rushed to the school seeking information about the condition and whereabouts of their children, with some spending the night outside the school gates waiting for updates.
The situation became tense as some parents reportedly attempted to force their way into the school premises, prompting the deployment of police officers and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel to maintain order.
Security teams were sent to Kings David Junior School as authorities feared the emotions of grieving parents could lead to chaos while they waited for official communication about the victims.
By Friday morning, the school gates remained closed as meetings continued between school administrators, security officials, and local leaders trying to manage the situation and provide accurate information.
Many parents refused to leave the school compound, saying they needed immediate answers about their children, especially after receiving reports of deaths and injuries from the accident.
Some parents had reportedly spent the entire night outside the school, anxiously waiting to know whether their children had survived or were among those who lost their lives.
The accident happened as pupils were returning from a three-day educational tour in Sipi Falls, Kapchorwa District, where they had travelled to gain practical learning experiences.
Authorities confirmed that the death toll included the school founder and director, Tadeo Ssekadde, who was reportedly travelling together with the pupils during the trip.
Local leaders described Ssekadde as a dedicated school director who personally accompanied learners during long-distance trips to ensure their safety and guidance.
According to local leaders, travelling with pupils during school tours had become part of Ssekadde’s routine, as he had previously accompanied students during trips to places such as Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese.
A local leader serving as secretary for education in Ndejje Central Ward explained that the school delayed informing parents immediately after the crash because officials were trying to verify information and coordinate with authorities.
She said several meetings were held throughout the night before parents began receiving official communication about the tragedy.
“We came here at night and at first we decided not to contact the parents. We held several meetings in the night. But by morning we had to start informing people about what happened,” she explained.
The leader also revealed that Ssekadde was travelling with his last-born daughter Abby, although details about whether she survived or was among the victims were still being established.
Meanwhile, another school bus was reportedly sent to Kapchorwa to bring back surviving pupils, including those who sustained injuries, so they could receive further treatment in Kampala.
The injured pupils were expected to be transported to medical facilities where doctors and health workers would continue monitoring their recovery.
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for better safety measures during school trips, with parents demanding strict inspection of buses and proper monitoring of transport arrangements.
Authorities have said more updates will be provided after all survivors return and families are officially informed about the victims of the devastating accident.
As the Ndejje community mourns, parents, teachers, and Ugandans across the country continue grieving the young lives lost while waiting for answers about what caused the fatal crash.
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