Kampala — Police have arrested two school bus drivers for allegedly carrying more pupils than their vehicles were licensed to transport during a traffic enforcement operation in Kampala.
The suspects, identified as Kimbugwe Alia and Mutesasira Abubakari, were intercepted at the Golf Course traffic checkpoint while transporting pupils from St. Kizito Primary School for an educational trip.
According to police, Kimbugwe, who was driving bus registration number UA 092AS, had 110 pupils on board, while Mutesasira, who was driving UAN 619X, was carrying 97 pupils.
The two drivers were arrested and taken to Kampala Central Police Station (CPS), where they remain in custody on traffic-related charges pending their appearance in court.
Police said they are working with the school administration to ensure alternative and safe transport arrangements are made for the pupils.
The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of school transport safety following the recent fatal crash involving a school bus carrying pupils from King David Junior School, Ndejje, in Kapchorwa, which claimed more than 20 lives.
Following the tragedy, Acting Education Minister Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo announced the suspension of all school trips and educational excursions as government reviews existing safety regulations.
Authorities are now consulting stakeholders in the education and transport sectors to strengthen guidelines on school transport, including passenger limits, vehicle inspections, driver qualifications, emergency preparedness and compliance with licensing requirements.
Police have warned schools and transport operators against violating safety regulations, saying enforcement operations will continue to prevent avoidable road crashes involving learners.
