Nalango School Bus Crash Survivors Recall Moments Before The Accident
Nalango School Bus Crash Survivors Recall Moments Before The Accident
KAMULI, Uganda – Survivors of Friday’s Nalango Senior Secondary School bus crash have described the moments leading up to the accident, alleging that the driver was speeding and became distracted after some students mocked him shortly before the collision.
The crash occurred at Busota Trading Centre along the Jinja-Kamuli Road as students were returning from an educational trip. According to the Kamuli Emergency Medical Team, 47 people were injured, including 31 students and 16 adults.
All the injured were taken to Kamuli General Hospital, where health officials say most are responding well to treatment.
One of the injured students, Jalia Babirye, said the bus driver had earlier been stopped by traffic police over alleged speeding and instructed to park for about an hour before continuing the journey.
According to Babirye, the driver resumed the trip at high speed after the stop.
She said some students began teasing him by singing mocking songs, and that he exchanged words with them shortly before the crash.
“We were being driven at a very high speed. The students kept mocking the driver with songs, and I remember he exchanged bitter words with some of them about five minutes before the accident. I think that may have distracted him before the vehicle rammed into a stationary truck,” Babirye said.
Babirye, who sustained bruises to her back, said her condition has improved and she expects to be discharged soon.
Another student, Fatuma Naiwumbwe, said she lost consciousness during the accident and only regained awareness after arriving at the hospital.
Although doctors told her she had not suffered internal injuries, she said she continues to experience headaches, body pain and emotional trauma.
“All I remember is the loud sound of the crash. Every time I try to sleep, that sound comes back,” she said.
Despite the experience, Naiwumbwe said she hopes to recover fully and return to school.
Francis Nabirye, the Geography teacher who supervised the educational trip, said the students had travelled from Kamuli District to Ssezibwa Falls in Buikwe District using four coaster buses.
He said concerns emerged during the return journey after one of the buses was seen travelling at excessive speed.
“We spoke to the driver and asked him to reduce his speed, but he did not heed our advice,” Nabirye said.
He added that about 20 students are recovering well and are expected to be discharged next week.
The school has since informed parents about the accident and is working with families to secure the medical supplies needed for the injured students.
Authorities have not yet released the findings of their investigation into the crash.
The survivors’ accounts have raised fresh questions about whether excessive speed and driver distraction contributed to the collision. However, these claims have not been independently confirmed by investigators.
Police are expected to examine witness statements, the condition of the vehicle, and other evidence before determining the exact cause of the crash.
The incident comes amid growing concern over the safety of school transport in Uganda following a series of road crashes involving buses carrying students.
Government and traffic authorities have recently stepped-up enforcement against dangerous driving by school bus operators and announced plans to strengthen safety guidelines aimed at reducing accidents involving learners.
The investigation into the Nalango Senior Secondary School crash remains ongoing. Authorities are expected to release further details once inquiries are complete.
