Parents and guardians of Babugi Nursery and Primary School in Bundibugyo Town are grieving following a tragic accident on Thursday morning that claimed the life of a young pupil and left several others injured.
The incident occurred on Bugombwa Hill when the school bus, registration number UAQ 319Q, en route from Nyahuka to the school, lost control and overturned.
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Traffic Officer Benon Nampala reported that the bus was carrying 32 pupils at the time of the crash. Among them was Jessica Natukunda, a baby class pupil and daughter of Jackson Tumwebaze, who sadly died while being rushed to the hospital.
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“Initial findings point to brake failure as the cause of the accident,” said Nampala. “Drivers are reminded to thoroughly inspect their vehicles before setting off. While faulty brakes are suspected, investigations are ongoing.”
Those injured were taken to Bundibugyo Main Hospital, Busaru Health Centre IV, and Nyahuka Health Centre IV. Two pupils in critical condition were later transferred to Mbarara Regional Hospital and Kilembe Hospital for specialized treatment.
According to Rwenzori West regional police spokesperson SP Vincent Twesige, the injured included 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 teacher, 28-year-old Hashya Carolina, was also among the injured. Additionally, 20 more pupils aged between 3 and 12 sustained minor injuries.
SP Twesige also revealed that the bus driver fled the scene and is currently being sought by police. The vehicle has been impounded at Bundibugyo Central Police Station pending a full mechanical inspection.
Eyewitness Moses Ahebwa described the moment of the crash: “I was riding a motorcycle when the bus sped past me. It looked like the driver was struggling with the gears before losing control.”
Efforts to get a comment from the school administration were unsuccessful by press time.
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