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Government Suspends All School Trips, Introduces Tough New Safety Measures After Kapchorwa Bus Tragedy

Ssemaganda Moses Hope
By Ssemaganda Moses Hope


Government Suspends All School Trips, Introduces Tough New Safety Measures After Kapchorwa Bus Tragedy
Government Suspends All School Trips, Introduces Tough New Safety Measures After Kapchorwa Bus Tragedy

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Kampala, Uganda – July 17, 2026

The Acting Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, has announced the immediate suspension of all school study trips and educational tours involving group travel by road following the tragic school bus accident involving learners of King David Junior School, Ndejje, in Kapchorwa District.

 

Dr. Muyingo made the announcement while presenting a Joint Government Statement on behalf of Government, saying the decision is intended to protect learners and prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy as Government strengthens safety standards for school transport.

Government described the accident as a heartbreaking national tragedy that claimed the lives of learners and members of staff, while leaving several others injured and receiving treatment.

The Acting Minister conveyed Government’s heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured learners a speedy recovery. He said Government has already mobilised medical care for survivors, psychosocial support for learners, teachers and families, as well as assistance with burial arrangements.

 

With immediate effect, all study trips and educational tours involving group travel by road, whether within Uganda or outside the country, have been suspended until further notice.

Schools currently on educational trips have been directed to report to the nearest Uganda Police Station to facilitate their safe return, with the Uganda Police Force coordinating the exercise across the country.

 

 

Dr. Muyingo also announced a number of new measures to strengthen learner safety during school travel. Every driver transporting learners must be cleared by the Ministry of Works and Transport, while all Public Service Vehicle drivers must carry an official government-issued badge.

 

In addition, every vehicle transporting learners must undergo a mechanical inspection before departure and obtain a roadworthiness clearance certificate issued by the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Inspectorate of Vehicles, regional inspection stations or the Uganda Police Traffic Directorate.

No school trip will be permitted without prior approval from the respective District Education Officer.

 

Government also plans to standardise school transport by requiring vehicles carrying learners—from nursery schools to universities—to be painted yellow to improve visibility and road safety.

An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been established to develop additional licensing regulations for vehicles transporting children, while enforcement will be undertaken by the Ministry of Works and Transport in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force’s Directorate of Traffic.

 

The Joint Government Statement was also delivered by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, the Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Julius Maganda, and the Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Youth and Children Affairs), Hon. Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa Clakisa.

 

 

Dr. Muyingo reaffirmed the Ministry of Education and Sports’ commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of every learner, saying the new measures are aimed at restoring confidence in school transport while safeguarding children’s lives.

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