Two pupils from Daystar Junior School in Kampala lost their lives and 11 others were injured when their school bus overturned early Sunday morning on the Kampala-Mubende Highway. The children were returning from a study tour in Kasese District when the accident occurred around 5:30 a.m. near Kagavu Village in Mityana District.

According to traffic police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura, the driver of the HMK Bus (registration UAP 829U) is suspected to have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the bus to lose control and overturn. Among the injured were four tour guides, all of whom were rushed to hospital.

Authorities believe fatigue was a major factor in the crash and are urging schools to avoid long overnight journeys following extended trips. It is not yet clear whether safety protocols were followed by the school or bus operator.

Uganda continues to face a worrying number of road accidents, with over 25,000 crashes recorded in 2024 alone.