Parents and guardians of Babugi Nursery and Primary School in Bundibugyo Town are grieving after a tragic accident on Thursday morning resulted in the death of a young pupil and injured several others. The incident took place on Bugombwa Hill when a school bus, registration number UAQ 319Q, transporting pupils from Nyahuka to the school, veered off the road and overturned.
Traffic Officer Benon Nampala reported that the bus was carrying 32 pupils at the time. Jessica Natukunda, a baby class pupil and daughter of Jackson Tumwebaze, succumbed to her injuries en route to the hospital. Preliminary investigations point to a mechanical failure in the brakes as the cause of the crash, leading to the driver’s loss of control. Nampala emphasized the importance of drivers checking their vehicles’ mechanical condition before travel, noting that while brake failure is suspected, investigations continue.
The injured were promptly taken to Bundibugyo Main Hospital, Busaru Health Centre IV, and Nyahuka Health Centre IV. Two children in critical condition were transferred to Mbarara Regional Hospital and Kilembe Hospital for specialized treatment.
Rwenzori West regional police spokesperson Vincent Twesige listed some of the victims, including 10-year-old Kosoranta Joserine, 13-year-old Katusiime Immaculate, 8-year-old Adrian Rasu, 9-year-old Bab Iha Jesro, and 11-year-old Tusiime Christine. A 28-year-old teacher, Hashya Carolina, was also injured, along with 20 other pupils aged between 3 and 12, who sustained minor injuries.
Twesige added that the bus driver fled the scene and remains at large. The vehicle has been impounded at Bundibugyo Central Police Station, awaiting a thorough mechanical inspection. Eyewitness Moses Ahebwa, who was riding a motorcycle at the time, observed the bus passing at high speed, with the driver appearing to struggle with the gears before losing control.
Efforts to contact the school administration for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
