Kampala, Uganda — July 17, 2026 — Senior government officials, education authorities and the Uganda Police Force have held an emergency meeting to address the growing number of road crashes involving school tour buses, following a series of fatal accidents that have sparked nationwide concern over the safety of learners.
The high-level meeting was convened after several serious crashes involving students travelling on educational trips in different parts of the country. Officials reviewed existing safety measures and discussed additional interventions aimed at preventing further tragedies.
Among the incidents that prompted the meeting was the July 10 collision between a school bus and a train in Mukono District, which claimed the life of the wife of a head teacher and left several students from Mwebaze High School injured.
Four days later, on July 14, another tragedy struck in Bugweri District when a bus transporting students from St. Paul Secondary School crashed into a stationary trailer before dawn. The driver died instantly, while 15 passengers, including 13 students, sustained injuries. Earlier accidents, including the Kapchorwa school bus crash, have further intensified concerns about road safety during school trips.
During the meeting, officials assessed compliance with the Ministry of Education and Sports’ school tour guidelines issued in May 2025. The guidelines require schools to complete travel before 6 p.m., submit detailed travel itineraries to police, ensure buses undergo mechanical inspections, and use qualified, sober drivers. They also restrict educational tours for very young learners.
Police have repeatedly warned schools against undertaking overnight journeys, saying fatigue among drivers significantly increases the risk of crashes. Authorities have instead encouraged schools to plan overnight accommodation where necessary rather than travelling through the night.
Sources familiar with the discussions said officials also considered tighter enforcement of the existing regulations, stronger coordination between the Ministry of Education, Uganda Police Force and transport regulators, increased monitoring of hired buses, and tougher penalties for schools that disregard safety requirements.
The meeting follows growing pressure from parents, road safety advocates and Members of Parliament, who have demanded stronger action to protect learners after the recent accidents. Parliament has already directed investigations into some of the crashes and summoned responsible officials to explain the rising number of road traffic incidents involving school transport.
Authorities are expected to announce additional safety measures after consultations are concluded, as investigations into the recent crashes continue. The renewed focus on enforcement reflects growing concern that educational trips, intended to enhance learning, must not come at the expense of students’ safety.
