Grief-Stricken Parents of King David Junior School Seek Answers

Heartbreaking scenes unfolded at King David Junior School on Friday as parents gathered in search of answers after a devastating road crash in Kapchorwa claimed the lives of at least 23 pupils returning from an educational trip, with dozens more injured.

KAMPALA — Grief, anguish and uncertainty engulfed King David Junior School on Friday morning as distraught parents thronged the school premises seeking information about their children following a tragic road crash in Kapchorwa that claimed the lives of at least 23 pupils.

The accident occurred on Thursday evening when a bus carrying learners back from an educational tour in eastern Uganda crashed in Kapchorwa District.

Several other pupils were injured, with some reported to be in critical condition.

By daybreak, scores of anxious parents had gathered at the school, many saying they had spent a sleepless night waiting for information that never came.

"We don't know what's happening with our children. No one is giving us information and we are not sure whether our children are dead or alive," one distressed parent said.

The atmosphere at the school quickly turned into one of mourning as some families received confirmation that their children had died in the crash.

Heartbreaking scenes unfolded as grieving parents collapsed in tears, wailed uncontrollably and embraced relatives and friends who had come to comfort them.

According to parents, the study trip involved learners from Primary Three to Primary Seven. The pupils reportedly left the school early on Thursday morning for the excursion before tragedy struck on their return journey later that evening.

Parents also said they had been informed that the school's director was among those killed after opting to travel with the pupils on the bus instead of using his private vehicle.

"What we know is that the school director died on the bus," another parent said.

The tragedy has cast a dark shadow over what had been a milestone year for the school, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary after starting as a nursery school before expanding into a primary section.

The Uganda Police Force has confirmed that 23 children died in the crash.

However, fears remain that the death toll could rise as several injured pupils continue receiving treatment in different health facilities.

Authorities have not yet released the names of those who died or those injured, saying efforts are still underway to notify families and account for every learner who was on the trip.

The school administration had not issued an official statement by Friday morning as parents continued waiting for updates on their children's fate.