Police have confirmed two fatal road crashes involving students travelling for school games in Budaka and Ngora districts, raising fresh concerns over the safety of student transport.
According to Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety under the Uganda Police Force, the incidents occurred on March 23 and 24, 2026, and claimed the lives of two students.
The first crash happened on March 24 at Jami Malo Nine along Tirinyi Road in Budaka District. A driver transporting students of Iki-Iki Secondary School in an Isuzu Elf reportedly attempted to evade a police checkpoint by diverting onto a feeder road. While rejoining the main road, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which overturned.
Several students were injured and rushed to hospital, where a 17-year-old Senior Two student later died from her injuries.
The second incident occurred a day earlier along the Mukura–Kakise Road in Ngora District. Police said a driver transporting students of Mukura Memorial Secondary School in a Fuso truck lost control after students sat on top of the vehicle, adding excessive weight.
Authorities noted that the structural metal bars gave way, causing several students to be thrown off. Many sustained serious injuries, and a 19-year-old Senior Four student later succumbed to injuries in hospital.
Police have since taken action against the drivers involved, as well as the head teachers of the respective schools, citing negligence and failure to comply with established safety guidelines.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has previously issued directives prohibiting the use of trucks to transport students, a guideline that police say continues to be ignored by some institutions.
Police have warned that any school or individual found transporting students in unsafe conditions, including on trucks, will face immediate legal action.
Authorities are now urging parents, school administrators, and school management committees to work closely with law enforcement to eliminate dangerous transport practices and safeguard the lives of students.
