Teacher Killed, Scores of Students Injured in Mukono Train-Bus Collision

MUKONO, Uganda — A teacher lost his life while dozens of students sustained injuries on Friday morning after a passenger train collided with a school bus at the Namumira railway crossing in Mukono Municipality.

The accident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. as a Friendship Company bus carrying more than 70 students and teachers from Mwebaza High School was travelling to Jinja for an academic study tour. The bus was struck by a passenger train travelling from Mukono to Kampala after attempting to cross the railway line, causing it to overturn.

Emergency responders, police officers and residents rushed to the scene to rescue the victims. Critically injured students were taken to Mukono General Hospital and other nearby health facilities for treatment. Witnesses reported that boda bodas were used to transport some victims due to an insufficient number of ambulances.

Uganda Railways spokesperson John Lenon Sengendo confirmed the incident, stating that one adult died in the crash while several students sustained injuries of varying severity.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus driver allegedly failed to obey instructions from a police officer stationed near the railway crossing. According to Uganda Railways, the approaching train repeatedly sounded its horn, but the bus continued onto the tracks before the collision occurred.

Eyewitness accounts differed on what may have contributed to the tragedy. Some residents alleged that trucks parked near the crossing obstruct motorists' visibility, while others claimed loud music and singing inside the bus may have prevented the driver from hearing the train's warning signals.

Residents also criticised the inadequate safety measures at the Namumira railway crossing, citing the absence of automatic barriers, traffic lights and sufficient warning signs. They called on the government and relevant authorities to urgently improve railway crossing infrastructure to prevent similar accidents.

Following rescue operations, the passenger train later resumed its journey to Kampala.

Uganda Railways has urged all motorists, particularly drivers transporting school children and public passengers, to strictly observe traffic regulations and stop at railway crossings until it is safe to proceed.

The tragic incident has once again renewed calls for enhanced road safety enforcement, improved railway crossing infrastructure and greater public awareness to protect lives on Uganda's roads.