By Our Reporter
EASTERN
Two Secondary School students have lost their lives in two fatal road crashes involving students traveling for school games in Budaka and Ngora districts.
According to the SP Micahel Kananura, Road Saftet and Traffic Police Spokesperson, the first incident occurred at Jami Malo Nine along Tirinyi Road in Budaka District on 24th March 2026.
A driver, currently in police custody, was transporting students of Iki-Iki SSS in an Isuzu Elf. While attempting to dodge a police checkpoint via a feeder road, the driver lost control of the vehicle while rejoining the main road causing it to overturn.
Several students were injured & rushed to hospital where a 17-year-old S.2 student sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Additionally, Wilfred Kyempasa the Bukedi North region police spokesperson, identified the deceased as Babirye Linda, 17, a Senior Two student, was among the passengers.
He says the driver, Ahamada Mutamu, has been arrested and is currently in police custody. All victims are admitted at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in critical conditions with broken hands, legs among other parts as Police continues with investigating the incident.
The second incident occurred a day earlier on 23rd March 2026 along the Mukura–Kakise Road in Ngora District.
A driver transporting students of Mukura Memorial SSS in a Fuso truck lost control of the vehicle after the students sat on top adding excessive weight that compromised its structure.
The metal bars they were seated on gave way, throwing several of them off the vehicle. Many sustained serious injuries & a 19-year-old S.4 student later passed away in hospital.
Kananura says action has been taken against the drivers involved as well as the head teachers of the respective schools for negligence & failure to adhere to established safety guidelines.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued clear guidelines prohibiting the use of trucks to transport students while police has consistently warned against the transportation of passengers on trucks. However some individuals continue to disregard these directives, putting lives at risk.
Kananura warns that any school or individual found transporting students on trucks will face immediate legal action and urges parents, school administrators & management committees to work closely with authorities to eliminate this dangerous practice.
