Police have launched investigations into circumstances surrounding a fatal railway accident in Mukono District after a school bus carrying learners was struck by an oncoming train, leaving one student dead and several others injured.
The accident occurred on Friday morning at about 7:00am in Namumira-Bukasa Village, Nakisunga Sub-county, along Katosi Road, as the students from Mwebaze High School in Kakiri were travelling to Jinja District for an educational trip.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala said preliminary findings indicate that the school bus was attempting to cross the railway line when it was hit by the train.
Kawala said police are investigating why the driver failed to stop before crossing the railway line despite the dangers associated with the crossing.
One student died instantly at the scene, while several others sustained injuries of varying severity.
Police officers, together with emergency responders, rushed to the scene and evacuated the injured learners to Mukono General Referral Hospital and other nearby health facilities for medical attention.
The body of the deceased was taken to the hospital mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) said the railway crossing was manned by a Railway Police officer at the time of the crash.
According to URC, the officer signalled the bus driver to stop before attempting to cross the railway tracks, but the driver allegedly ignored the warning and proceeded onto the railway line, where the bus was hit by the approaching train.
The incident has renewed concerns about road user compliance at railway crossings, with authorities urging motorists to exercise caution and follow safety instructions to prevent similar tragedies.
Police said investigations into the exact cause of the accident are ongoing, with possible charges expected depending on the findings.
By Our Reporter
10th July 2026
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