The Government has suspended all school study trips and tours involving road travel following the tragic King David Junior School bus accident in Kapchorwa.
State Minister for Higher Education Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo announced that the suspension applies to trips within Uganda and those involving travel outside the country. The directive will remain in force until further notice.
Schools whose learners are already on study trips have been instructed to stop at the nearest police station for guidance and assistance on how to safely return to their respective institutions.
“The Uganda Police Force is coordinating the safe return of learners who are currently on study tours or trips,” Muyingo said while delivering a joint government statement on the accident.
This development comes a day after an accident involving pupils of King David Junior School, Ndejje that left 21 pupils and five teachers dead. Others are still nursing injuries sustained from the tragic incident that happened in Kapchorwa district while they were on a study tour.
The Government has also directed the Ministry of Education and Sports to constitute an inter-ministerial task force within seven days. The team will develop comprehensive regulations aimed at strengthening learner safety during school trips and tours.
Government said support had been mobilised for the injured, survivors and bereaved families, while emergency response efforts continue in coordination with relevant authorities.
It also announced enhanced school transport safety measures, including stricter vehicle inspections and enforcement of transport regulations to ensure compliance by schools and operators.
The Government extended condolences to the families that lost loved ones, the King David Junior School community and all those affected by the accident.
“We call upon all Ugandans to keep the affected families in their thoughts and prayers as we work together to prevent such tragedies in the future,” the joint statement said.
