The Ministry of Education and Sports has suspended all school trips and educational excursions with immediate effect following a series of fatal road accidents involving learners.
Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr. John Muyingo announced the suspension on Friday morning.
He said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect the lives and safety of children while the government reviews existing guidelines governing school trips.
"As an immediate precautionary measure, all school trips and educational excursions are hereby suspended with immediate effect until further notice. This temporary suspension will remain in force as the Ministry conducts a comprehensive review of the existing school trip and excursion guidelines and introduces strengthened safety measures to safeguard the lives and well-being of learners," Muyingo said.
The directive follows the tragic King David Junior School bus crash in Kapchorwa, which claimed the lives of 20 pupils and one adult, with several others injured.
In a statement, Dr. Muyingo expressed condolences to families affected by recent school trip accidents and wished the injured learners a quick recovery.
“The Ministry of Education and Sports is deeply disheartened by the recent road accidents involving school trips. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a full and speedy recovery to all those who were injured,” Muyingo said.
He said the safety and well-being of learners remains the government’s top priority, warning that educational activities must not put children’s lives at risk.
“While education trips are an important part of learning, they must never compromise the safety of our children,” he said.
Dr. Muyingo said the suspension will remain in place as the Ministry conducts a comprehensive review of school trip and excursion guidelines and introduces stronger safety measures.
He said he has directed the Permanent Secretary to immediately review the existing regulations and propose additional measures to improve learner safety during school travel.
The minister reminded schools to strictly follow safety requirements, including ensuring that vehicles used for educational trips are roadworthy, properly licensed and fit for purpose.
He further directed schools to use only qualified and licensed drivers with proven safety records, conduct risk assessments before every trip, obtain the necessary approvals, notify parents or guardians, avoid overnight journeys, ensure drivers are well rested and maintain adequate teacher supervision throughout trips.
“All schools are reminded to strictly comply with existing safety requirements, including ensuring that all vehicles used for school trips are roadworthy and properly licensed,” Muyingo said.
The Ministry will work with the Uganda Police Force, the Ministry of Works and Transport and other relevant agencies to investigate recent incidents and develop measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
Dr. Muyingo called on school proprietors, governing boards, headteachers, transport providers and parents to prioritise learner safety and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
The suspension comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of school transport following several accidents involving learners during educational tours and school-related travel.
