The Director of Liberty Motors Uganda Limited, Muhangi Shadaya, has been charged in connection with the fatal King David Junior School bus crash, with police alleging that the driver involved was operating the vehicle using his brother's driving licence.

Shadaya was arrested and arraigned before the Kapchorwa Chief Magistrate's Court, where he faces three charges under the Traffic and Road Safety Act, Cap. 347.

According to Sipi Region Police Spokesperson SP Fredmark Chesang, the charges include permitting a person without a valid driving permit to drive, permitting the use of a passenger vehicle without the required licence, and permitting the use of a mechanically defective motor vehicle on the road.

Police allege that the bus driver did not have a valid driving permit and was instead using his brother's licence at the time of the crash.

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Appearing before Chief Magistrate Martin Wakayembe on Monday, Shadaya denied all the charges. He was remanded until August 13, 2026.

Speaking after the court session, Kapchorwa Resident District Commissioner Stanley Bayole commended police, particularly the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Traffic Investigations and his team, for pursuing the case.

Bayole said police had also arrested officers who were manning traffic checkpoints along the route over alleged negligence of duty. He added that the case file had been sanctioned by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and is awaiting prosecution.

The RDC praised residents of Kapchorwa for the humanitarian support extended to victims and their families following the tragedy.

He urged motorists travelling to the Sebei sub-region to strictly observe traffic regulations, noting that the area's mountainous terrain requires experienced drivers and heightened adherence to road safety measures.

The accident involving learners of King David Junior School claimed 24 lives, making it one of Uganda's deadliest school transport tragedies in recent years.