The Clinical Psychologists Association Uganda (CPAU) has called for the urgent development of a National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Crisis Response Framework following a series of fatal road and transport accidents that have claimed the lives of learners, teachers and other Ugandans.
In a statement dated July 20, 2026, signed by CPAU President Vivian Olgah Kudda, the association expressed condolences to families, friends and communities affected by recent tragedies, including the Omoro bus accident, the Bugweri highway crash, the Mukono train collision, the loss of students from Buzaaya, and the King David Junior School bus accident in Kapchorwa.
“We stand in solidarity with all those who have suffered bereavement, injury and psychological distress,” the statement read.
CPAU said disasters cause more than physical harm, leaving survivors, bereaved families, witnesses, first responders and affected communities with lasting emotional and psychological trauma.
“Survivors, bereaved families, witnesses, first responders and affected communities are at increased risk of acute stress, prolonged grief, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. Timely Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) is therefore an essential component of emergency response and recovery,” the association said.
The call follows a string of deadly incidents, including the July 16 crash involving a school bus belonging to King David Junior School, Ndejje, in Kapchorwa District.
According to Michael Kananura, spokesperson of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety at the Uganda Police Force, the crash occurred at about 8:00pm at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county.
The bus, registration number UA 108BQ, was carrying pupils when it crashed, killing at least 24 pupils and two adults, while dozens of others sustained injuries.
“The Uganda Police Force confirms that police in Kapchorwa have this evening registered a fatal road traffic crash involving a school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, transporting pupils of Kings David Junior School, Ndejje,” Kananura said.
The Kapchorwa tragedy followed another school transport accident on July 10, when a train collided with a school bus at a railway crossing in Mukono, killing a teacher and injuring several pupils.
On July 14, 2026, students of Amuria High School were involved in another crash at Nawangisa Village along the Mbale–Iganga Highway in Bugweri District. The students were returning from a geography study tour at St Paul Secondary School in Katakwi when their bus rammed into a stationary truck, killing the driver and injuring others.
Following the accidents, the Ministry of Education and Sports suspended all school trips and educational excursions, saying the move was intended to protect learners as government reviews safety guidelines governing school travel.
Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr. John Muyingo said the ministry would work with the Uganda Police Force, Ministry of Works and Transport and other agencies to investigate the incidents and develop measures to prevent future tragedies.
CPAU commended government, particularly the Ministry of Health, the MHPSS Technical Working Group and partners, for efforts to integrate mental health support into public health emergency preparedness.
However, the association said the recent tragedies demonstrate the need to fast-track the development, funding and implementation of a national crisis response framework that can be activated during road crashes, public health emergencies, natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
CPAU urged government to create dedicated budget lines for mental health and psychosocial support within national and local emergency response systems.
The association also called for the inclusion of clinical psychologists and other qualified mental health professionals in emergency response teams, alongside stronger coordination between ministries, local governments, humanitarian agencies and professional bodies.
It said mental health specialists should be deployed to provide Psychological First Aid, trauma-informed care, bereavement support and referral services for affected individuals and communities.
