Five students of Iki-iki Senior Secondary School have died and several others injured following a road accident on Tuesday while traveling to a sports event.
The fatal crash occurred along the Mbale–Tirinya Highway, Mbale, Uganda at Jami in Kamonkoli Town Council, when the truck transporting the students reportedly overturned.
According to eyewitness accounts, the vehicle bearing registration number UAP 443Z lost control before overturning.
The students were en route to Kamonkoli Seed Secondary School in Budaka District to take part in the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) football games.
Authorities say the driver is currently in police custody on charges related to reckless driving, overloading, and operating a vehicle in poor mechanical condition.
Emergency responders rushed the injured students to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. The extent of their injuries has not yet been fully disclosed.
Playing in Group D, Iki-Iki Secondary beat Grace Comprehensive 1-0 before a 1-0 defeat against Bugwere high on day one.
Iki-iki SS had two games lined up on day two, facing Ngoma Standard and the derby against Iki-Iki High.
Budaka Moslem Primary playground, Saza playground and Jami Primary playground are the other venues hosting the Budaka USSSA fixtures 2026.