Kampala — Government authorities have launched an urgent review of school travel safety following a series of fatal road crashes involving buses carrying learners.
The review brings together officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Uganda Police Force and transport agencies to assess compliance with existing school transport regulations and identify additional measures to protect learners.
The meeting follows several recent accidents that have raised concerns over the safety of school trips, including the use of night travel, vehicle conditions and supervision arrangements.
On July 10, a school bus carrying learners from Mwebaze High School collided with a train in Mukono District, killing the wife of the school head teacher and injuring several students.
Four days later, another school trip ended in tragedy when a bus carrying students from St. Paul Secondary School crashed into a stationary trailer in Bugweri District before sunrise.
The driver died at the scene, while 15 passengers, including 13 students, sustained injuries.
The incidents have intensified calls for stronger enforcement of school transport regulations.
During the review, officials examined the Ministry of Education’s school tour guidelines issued in May 2025, which require schools to submit travel plans to police, use roadworthy vehicles, employ licensed and sober drivers, and complete journeys before 6 p.m.
The guidelines also discourage educational trips involving very young learners.
Police have repeatedly warned that many serious crashes occur during late-night and early-morning travel due to driver fatigue, poor visibility and speeding.
Authorities are considering stricter inspections of buses before departure, closer monitoring of school travel plans and tougher penalties for schools and transport operators that violate safety requirements.
The review comes amid growing pressure from parents, lawmakers and road safety advocates demanding greater accountability following deaths and injuries involving learners travelling for school activities.
Officials say recommendations from the review will guide future reforms aimed at making school transport safer.
