At least 24 pupils have died after a school bus carrying children on an educational excursion crashed along the Kaserem section of the Kapchorwa–Mbale Road in eastern Uganda.

Uganda Police confirmed on Friday that the death toll increased from 21 to 24 after three injured pupils died while receiving treatment in hospital.

Police spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, SP Michael Kananura, said 18 of the victims have been identified. Three bodies remain at Kapchorwa Hospital and another three at Mbale Hospital awaiting identification.

He added that 23 other victims are still receiving treatment at Kapchorwa Hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.

The pupils, from King David Junior School, had travelled from Kampala for an excursion to Sipi Falls. According to police, the trip involved two buses and two taxis. Only one bus was involved in the accident, while the remaining vehicles safely returned to Kampala with their passengers.

Authorities said the bus driver has not yet been formally identified but is believed to be among those critically injured and receiving treatment in Mbale.

Following the tragedy, Uganda’s Minister of Education and Sports ordered the immediate suspension of all school educational trips across the country.

The government said the decision would allow investigators to determine the cause of the crash, review safety measures for school excursions, and strengthen road safety awareness for schools, transport operators, teachers, and other stakeholders.

School groups already on excursions have also been directed to report to the nearest police station, where officers will provide escorts to ensure they return safely.

The Uganda Police Force expressed condolences to the families of the victims, the pupils, teachers, and the entire King David Junior School community, adding that investigations into the crash are ongoing and more safety measures will be announced after the probe is completed.