Kampala, Uganda — The government has launched an urgent review of school tour safety following a series of fatal road crashes involving buses transporting students, raising fresh concerns over compliance with existing travel regulations.
The review was conducted during a high-level meeting attended by officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Uganda Police Force, and transport authorities. The meeting focused on the recent increase in accidents involving school buses and explored measures to strengthen the enforcement of safety standards.
The discussions follow two deadly incidents that occurred within days of each other. On July 10, a school bus carrying students from Mwebaze High School collided with a train in Mukono District, killing the wife of the school’s head teacher and leaving several students injured.
Four days later, another tragedy struck when a bus transporting students from St. Paul Secondary School crashed into a stationary trailer in Bugweri District before sunrise. The driver died on the spot, while 15 passengers, including 13 students, sustained injuries.
The accidents have renewed concerns over the continued practice of night travel during school tours, the mechanical condition of hired buses, and whether schools are complying with national safety guidelines.
During the meeting, officials reviewed the Ministry of Education and Sports’ School Tour Guidelines issued in May 2025, which require schools to submit travel itineraries to the police, complete journeys before 6:00 p.m., use roadworthy vehicles, and hire licensed and sober drivers. The guidelines also discourage educational trips for very young learners.
Police reiterated that many serious road crashes occur during late-night and early-morning hours, when driver fatigue, poor visibility, and speeding significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Officials are now considering stricter enforcement measures, including mandatory inspections of school buses before departure, closer monitoring of travel plans, and tougher penalties for schools that fail to comply with the regulations.
The review comes amid growing concern from parents, road safety advocates, and Members of Parliament, who have called for greater accountability following the recent loss of lives and injuries sustained by learners during school trips.
Authorities said investigations into the recent crashes are still underway, and recommendations from the review are expected to guide further action aimed at improving school transport safety and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
