The Ministry of Education and Sports has suspended all school educational trips across Uganda following the tragic bus crash in Kapchorwa that claimed the lives of 21 people, including 20 pupils and a school administrator.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, is part of the government’s emergency response aimed at safeguarding learners while authorities review the safety of school travel arrangements.
As enforcement of the suspension began, police intercepted three buses carrying pupils from Kawempe Muslim School along Yusuf Lule Road in Kampala. The buses were stopped before proceeding with their planned educational trip, demonstrating the immediate implementation of the ministry’s directive.
The suspension comes in the wake of one of the country’s deadliest school transport accidents in recent years. The Kapchorwa crash has sparked widespread concern over the safety of school excursions and the condition of vehicles used to transport learners.
In response to the tragedy, the Ministry of Works and Transport has convened an emergency road safety meeting to assess the circumstances surrounding the accident and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents. The ministry is expected to announce additional road safety interventions and regulations in the coming days.
Government officials have expressed condolences to the families affected by the Kapchorwa tragedy, while emphasizing that the temporary suspension of educational trips is a precautionary measure intended to protect students as investigations continue and safety standards are reviewed.
Schools across the country have been advised to postpone all educational excursions until further notice. Education authorities have urged school administrators, parents, and transport operators to cooperate fully with the directive as the government works to strengthen safety protocols for school transportation.
The suspension is expected to remain in force until the government completes its review and determines that adequate safety measures are in place to ensure the safe movement of learners during educational trips.
