Mukono, Uganda: One person has been confirmed dead and several students injured after a train collided with a school bus transporting learners of Mwebaze High School, Kakiri, for an educational trip to Jinja District in a tragic crash along Katosi Road in Mukono District.
The accident occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. on Friday at Namumira–Bukasa Village, Kyetume Parish, Nakisunga Sub-county, sending shockwaves through parents, school authorities and the wider education community.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala, the bus was carrying students on an educational excursion when it was struck by a train at the railway crossing.
“Police in Mukono are investigating a fatal road traffic accident that occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. today at Namumira–Bukasa Village, Kyetume Parish, Nakisunga Sub-county, along the Katosi Road in Mukono District,” Kawala said.
She confirmed that one female passenger died instantly at the scene, while several students sustained injuries of varying severity.
Emergency responders, including police officers, local residents and medical personnel, mounted a rescue operation shortly after the collision, evacuating the injured to Mukono General Referral Hospital and other nearby health facilities for specialised treatment.
The identities of the deceased and the injured had not been officially released by press time as authorities worked to notify their families.
By press time on Friday morning, police had cordoned off the scene and commenced investigations to establish the exact circumstances under which the collision occurred.
“Police have secured the scene and commenced investigations to establish the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the crash. Further updates will be provided as more verified information becomes available,” Kawala said.
Questions Over Rail Crossing Safety
The tragedy has once again drawn attention to safety at railway crossings across Uganda, many of which lack automated barriers, warning lights or dedicated crossing attendants.
Road safety experts have repeatedly urged motorists to exercise extreme caution when approaching railway crossings, stressing the importance of stopping, looking and listening before proceeding.
The Uganda Railways Corporation has in recent years expanded rail transport services, including commuter operations around the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, while also exploring additional passenger services to improve transport safety and reduce congestion.
The accident comes just days after another fatal road crash claimed multiple lives along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, underscoring growing concerns over road safety involving public and school transport.
Parents and education stakeholders have previously called for stricter enforcement of transport safety standards for vehicles carrying learners, particularly during educational tours and school trips.
As investigations continue, police have appealed to motorists to exercise maximum caution at all railway crossings and obey all traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
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