MUKONO, Uganda — A teacher was killed and several students injured on Thursday morning when a passenger 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 Friendship Company bus was transporting more than 70 students to Jinja District for an educational trip when it attempted to cross the railway line, and was struck by a train causing it to overturn under circumstances that remain under investigation.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala confirmed that one female passenger (teacher) 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.”
Uganda Railways spokesperson John Lenon Sengendo confirmed the incident, saying one adult died in the crash.
According to Sengendo, preliminary findings indicate that the bus driver failed to comply with traffic instructions at the railway crossing.
He said a police officer stationed about 200 metres from the crossing had signalled the driver to stop, but the driver allegedly ignored the instruction and drove onto the railway line, where the collision occurred.
“The train crew repeatedly sounded the horn as it approached the crossing, but the bus continued onto the railway line,” Sengendo said.
The train later resumed its journey to Kampala after emergency operations at the scene.
Abdul Ssali, one of the first responders, said the number of injured overwhelmed available emergency services.
“All the critically injured students were rushed to hospital on boda bodas because the available ambulances were not enough,” he said.
Residents blamed the accident on poor safety infrastructure at the railway crossing, saying it lacks adequate warning signs, automatic barriers and traffic lights.
They also accused DAKS Clearing and Forwarding Company of allowing trucks to park near the crossing, obstructing motorists’ visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.
Another eyewitness, Joseph Kaweesi, said the students were singing and loud music was playing inside the bus as it approached the crossing.
He suggested the driver may not have heard the train’s warning horn because of the noise inside the bus.
Other eyewitnesses, however, said the train repeatedly sounded its horn to warn approaching motorists, but the bus driver failed to stop before entering the railway crossing.
Sengendo urged motorists, especially drivers of public service vehicles, to obey traffic regulations and follow instructions from police officers and railway stewards at crossings.
He said Uganda Railways is implementing a programme to install automated barriers at railway crossings in densely populated areas but stressed that infrastructure improvements must be matched by responsible road user behaviour to prevent similar accidents.
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.
Also Read: American missionary killed in Kampala train crash, URC cites careless driving
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.
