Twenty-one people, including 20 pupils and one adult, have been confirmed dead following a tragic road crash involving a school bus belonging to King David Junior School in Kapchorwa District.

According to a statement released by Uganda Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura, the fatal crash occurred on the evening of Thursday at Chekwatit Village in Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, Kapchorwa District.

The bus, an Isuzu registered UA 108BQ, belongs to King David Junior School, located in Ndejje, Makindye Division, Kampala. Police said the driver had not yet been identified at the time of the statement.

Preliminary police investigations indicate that the pupils had been on an educational tour to Sipi Falls. While returning from the trip, the driver reportedly lost control of the bus. The vehicle veered off the road, hit a large roadside stone, and overturned.

Police confirmed that the crash claimed the lives of 20 pupils and one adult male. Three adult males and several juvenile passengers sustained injuries.

The injured were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment. Authorities said the identities of several survivors were still being established.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary, where they await identification and postmortem examinations.

Uganda Police said investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing and that more information will be released as inquiries continue.

The force extended its condolences to the bereaved families, the management of King David Junior School, and everyone affected by the tragedy, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.