MUKONO, Uganda — A passenger was killed and several students injured on Thursday morning when a train collided with a bus transporting learners from Mwebaze High School, Kakiri, in a serious accident in Mukono District.
The collision occurred at about 6:45 a.m. at Namumira–Bukasa Village in Kyetume Parish, Nakisunga Sub-county, along the Katosi Road corridor, according to the Uganda Police Force. Police said the students were travelling to Jinja District for an educational trip when the accident happened.
The bus was transporting students to Jinja District for an educational trip when it was struck by a train under circumstances that remain under investigation.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala confirmed that one female passenger died at the scene while multiple students sustained injuries.
“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 in a statement.
“The accident involved a train and a bus transporting students of Mwebaze High School, Kakiri, who were travelling to Jinja District for an educational trip.”
Emergency response underway
Police officers, working alongside emergency responders, immediately launched rescue operations and began evacuating the injured to Mukono General Referral Hospital and other nearby health facilities.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact number of students injured or the severity of their conditions.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic aftermath as residents, police officers and first responders rushed to assist victims trapped inside the damaged bus.
The area was temporarily cordoned off as rescue teams worked to clear the scene and ensure the safety of other road users.
Police launch investigation
Investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding the collision, including whether the bus driver observed railway crossing procedures and whether all safety measures at the crossing were functioning at the time of the accident.
“Police have secured the scene and commenced investigations to establish the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the crash,” Kawala said.
The force indicated that additional information would be released once investigators complete preliminary inquiries and verify details surrounding the incident.
Rail crossing safety concerns
The accident has renewed concerns about safety at railway crossings across Uganda, particularly in rapidly urbanising districts such as Mukono where road traffic volumes have increased significantly in recent years.
Road safety experts have repeatedly warned that a combination of driver error, inadequate warning systems and congestion near crossings continues to pose risks to motorists and pedestrians.
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The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) has in the past urged motorists to exercise extreme caution when approaching railway crossings, stressing that trains require considerably longer distances to stop compared to ordinary vehicles.
Thursday’s collision is likely to intensify calls for improved railway crossing infrastructure, public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of road safety regulations.
School community awaits answers
As investigations continue, attention has turned to the welfare of the injured students and the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
School trips are a common part of the academic calendar in Uganda, with educational institutions frequently organising excursions to industrial sites, historical landmarks and learning centres across the country.
The death of a passenger and injuries sustained by students have cast a shadow over what was expected to be a routine educational journey.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal collision.
Police said further updates would be issued as more verified information becomes available.
